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.