Every time spring training rolls around, before the season ahead even gets underway, teams start looking at the beyond. Nevermind the task at hand. They need to worry about beyond the season as well. How will the roster look in 2026 or 2027? Locking players into long-term extensions helps solve that problem, giving the team financial certainty while also give the player career security.

The Phillies actually have three of these types of players. Kyle Schwarber, J.T. Realmuto and Ranger Suarez all see their contracts up after this season is over and have various levels of importance to the team.

Without Schwarber, the team’s power output drops.

Without Realmuto, they have no catcher.

Without Suarez, their biggest strength takes a hit.

The team cannot sign all three, nor will they given how the roster is constructed. Were they to lose Schwarber, the DH spot can be utilized in any different array of ways, mainly as a way to get Nick Castellanos out of right field and to sign another outfielder. Lose Realmuto and the possibility that Rafael Marchan’s day in the sun shines a bit brighter. If Suarez were to walk, the team is already in a good position with three starting pitchers under contract and another, their top pitching prospect, ready to ascend to the major leagues this year.

So, our question of the day is: which player would you prefer the Phillies sign to a contract extension this spring training? What might that contract look like?