How Philadelphia Phillies Spent A Billion to Reach Postseason

The Philadelphia Phillies have done a good job of developing talent out of its farm system to help fuel back-to-back appearances in the National League Championship Series.

But don’t forget the money the Phillies have spent to get here, too.

USA Today reminded baseball fans that back in 2019 the Phillies had a payroll of $68.9 million on Opening Day. That season the Phillies went 81-81, which wasn’t a bad return for that kind of a payroll.

But that’s not the team that Phillies management wanted. So while they developed talent on the farm, the Phillies have also spent to bring in impact free agents.

But just how much? Well, the figure is just a little staggering.

Since that Opening Day, the Phillies and their ownership, led by John Middleton, have committed $1.04 billion — yes BILLION — for Bryce Harper, J.T. Realmuto, Zack Wheeler, Kyle Schwarber, Nick Castellanos and Trea Turner.

Yep, for a half-dozen players. Here’s how it breaks down:

Harper, signed for the 2019 season — 13 years, $330 million (his $30 million in 2019 represented nearly half of the Phillies payroll that season);

Realmuto (2021) — five years, $115.5 million;

Wheeler (2020) — five years, $118 million;

Schwarber (2022) — four years, $79 million;

Castellanos (2022) — five years, $100 million;

And Turner (2023 — 11 years, $300 million.

It’s hard to argue with the commitment. After the 28-32 COVID-19 shortened season in 2020, the Phillies went 82-80 in 2021, but finished second in the National League East, 6.5 games out of first place.

In 2022 the Phillies won 87 games and finished third in the NL West, 14 games back. But they reached the World Series out of the Wild Card playoffs.

This season the Phillies won 90 games, finished 14 games back of the Braves in the NL West but have reached the NLCS, in part because they beat the Braves in the NLDS for the second straight season.

If the championship window remains open for the Phillies, it will be money well spent.