Phillies Managing Partner and CEO John Middleton indicated that he will “consider pushing the payroll beyond even the third threshold” -- $281M next year -- if the opportunity “arises to add another impact player,” according to Scott Lauber of the PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER. Never mind that the Phillies would “get hit with a 92.5% surcharge on every dollar over” $281M, they would also have their 2026 first-round draft pick "moved back 10 spots." Middleton said he expects the player payroll to be “higher [than this year] rather than lower.” He added, “I’d be surprised if it’s the same, and I’d be stunned, very stunned, if it’s lower. I don’t see it being lower.” Lauber wrote the Phillies “don’t have much choice” but to maintain their payroll level. They have $220.5M in 2025 commitments to 11 players, including seven who will “make at least” $20M (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 11/1).
Phillies' Middleton expects the club to spend more in 2025
