It's difficult to conclude they're better. It's just as hard to say they're measurably worse. But their vulnerable points look more exposed.

The Phillies were offering Bichette seven years and somewhere in the range of $190M to $200M. He chose a shorter-term deal with the Mets.

Realmuto was the best-available catcher in free agency, but he'll turn 35 in March and is coming off one of his worst offensive seasons.

It's still believed the Phillies and Realmuto will find common ground. But the club has explored contingencies via trade and free agency.

No one with the club has hinted the Phillies would be restricted from additional long-term deals beyond Schwarber and Realmuto.

Realmuto is still a decent bet to return to Philadelphia, but he could fit in Boston in a number of ways.

Any conversation about the Phillies’ offseason plans must begin with their top three free agents. But there is plenty more to discuss.

There are endless questions about how this offseason will unfold, and so many of you had good ones to ponder. Let's answer another batch.

Winter came earlier and harsher than anyone with the Phillies expected. Now what?

Kyle Schwarber, J.T. Realmuto and Ranger Suárez are among their key free agents. After a crushing defeat, an offseason of change awaits.

Plus more on J.T. Realmuto's sensational jump-tag and what's setting up to be a tight divisional race against the Mets.

Bryce Harper is heating up, and as Jesús Luzardo has said multiple times: “When Bryce goes, I think the whole team goes.”

Plus some trade deadline items on the Marlins, Brewers and Pirates, as well as a look at Juan Soto's increasing stolen base numbers.

The Phillies' righty bats entered the game with a .690 OPS against lefties, 97 points worse than a season ago. But Sunday, they delivered.

By the end of it, there was chaos everywhere. But Abel, making his second big-league start, represented something stable for the Phillies.

Meanwhile, Tanner Banks, the second lefty behind Strahm, looks sharp, and Orion Kerkering regained some confidence during the road trip.

Credit Realmuto with a save. The catcher threw out two would-be stealers late to give the Phillies a win over the undefeated Dodgers.

The Phillies need to squeeze as much as they can from their aging star players. This whole thing will be a balancing act for Rob Thomson.

Plus thoughts on Max Kepler, Mick Abel, Andrew Painter, Justin Crawford, Aidan Miller, Griff McGarry and some pitchers to watch this spring.

The Phillies want to manage Realmuto's workload better, but he will be playing for his next contract. It will be a difficult conversation.