The Philadelphia Phillies miss out on top Japanese free agents as the international market heats up. Can the team’s evolving strategy compete with the Dodgers’ dominance? Connor Thomas breaks down why the Phillies came up short on signings like Tatsuya Imai, Kazuma Okamoto, and Munetaka Murakami, while exploring questions about team fit and front office priorities. The discussion shifts to rumors surrounding Bo Bichette and the complexities of choosing between the All-Star infielder and veteran catcher J.T. Realmuto, with major implications for the Phillies’ pitching staff. Fan poll results reveal split optimism about Philadelphia’s 2026 outlook, from division wins to World Series hopes.\n\nWill the Phillies find the missing piece to become true contenders, or does their cautious approach risk another season in the Dodgers’ shadow?
0:00 – Phillies Miss Out on Japanese Free Agents
Intro, Japanese free agent market recap, Phillies’ pursuit and analysis of why they came up short.
11:12 – Bo Bichette Rumors & JT Realmuto Debate
Rumored Bo Bichette interest, pros and cons of signing him vs JT Realmuto, team construction implications.
22:46 – Phillies 2026 Outlook Poll Results
Fan poll responses and analysis: predicted high water marks for Phillies in 2026, division and World Series chances.
Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.
Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Every Friday night, before the games tip off, FanDuel gives fans a new way to kick off the weekend with NBA Happy Hour. Check the FanDuel app and see what’s dropping during NBA Happy Hour — every Friday from 6 to 7:30 PM Eastern.FanDuel — the Official Sportsbook Partner of the NBA.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.