Long-term deals handed out in recent seasons continue to define the financial landscape. From franchise cornerstones to high-profile free-agent signings, the top salaries reflect both ambition and urgency in a competitive National League.

In a market that demands October baseball, spending is rarely quiet. The Phillies’ highest-paid players in 2026 offer a snapshot of strategy, risk and star power—all tied to the pressure that comes with a heavyweight MLB payroll.

Who are the highest-paid Phillies in 2026?

As the 2026 season shapes up, the Philadelphia Phillies carry one of the heftier payrolls and a handful of star contracts dominate the ledger. According to Spotrac and payroll trackers, Zack Wheeler sits atop the list with a $42 million salary.

This makes him not just the Phillies’ highest-paid player but one of baseball’s most compensated starters this year. Behind his earnings are the bats and gloves that have defined the Phillies’ identity in recent seasons.

Wheels turn to Kyle Schwarber, whose new long-term contract pays him about $30 million in 2026 as one of the game’s premier designated hitters. Not far behind are middle infield dynamo Trea Turner with $27.2 million and perennial face of the franchise Bryce Harper with $25.3 million.

Rounding out the top five is veteran right-hander Aaron Nola, whose $24-plus million salary reflects a long-term commitment from Philadelphia to its rotation alongside Wheeler. Together, these contracts illustrate where they placed their financial chips.

“I feel we have the pieces. I know it’s not necessarily the ‘new toy.’ We are more than capable of winning the whole thing. We just have to execute at the end of the year. We just have to put ourselves in another good spot like we did last year, and come out on top,” Turner told NBC Sports Philadelphia.

Turner finished last season with 15 home runs, a slight drop from 2024 when he hit 21 in just 121 games. However, 2025 marked his best year in terms of batting average, posting a .305 clip that proved critical in helping push Philadelphia back into the postseason.

Turner hopes for a big year from Bryce Harper

Inevitably, Turner was asked about comments from Dave Dombrowski regarding Bryce Harper, suggesting Harper did not have an “elite” season despite playing a key role in the club’s fourth consecutive postseason appearance since 2022.

“I’m looking forward to him just—I don’t want to say getting back to himself—but just, you know, having the year he wants to have because when he does that, it’s special,” Turner said, carefully avoiding direct reference to Dombrowski while emphasizing his confidence in his teammate.

Whether the Phillies can return to the postseason again remains likely. Following recent roster adjustments, including the departure of Nick Castellanos, the team still appears well-positioned. Under manager Rob Thomson, Philadelphia has consistently played into October, reaching the World Series in 2022, falling in the NLCS in 2023, and exiting in the Division Series in each of the past two seasons.

Turner added that the work he’s put in recently has left him optimistic. “Felt like the work the last couple of days put me in a good spot for today. Just keep making progress and trying to get back to 100 percent,” he explained.

He also emphasized that while he’d like to sneak into a regular season game with the Phillies, his eyes are on October. “I think postseason is the most important,” Turner said. “Personally, I’d like to sneak a game in… but we got to go day-by-day.”

Turner’s focus shifts to October readiness

Destiny Lugardo of Phillies Nation reported Turner remains out and won’t be activated tomorrow. Manager Rob Thomson echoed that confidence in October, saying the All-Star will be ready when the postseason begins.

Turner also admitted he feels different compared to his hamstring injury last season. “Last time, that was a tough thing, the mental and building that confidence,” he said. “Today it felt like there was less of that… I feel like I’m in a better spot.”

The shortstop admitted the hardest part has been watching his teammates celebrate clinching without him. “I didn’t really watch… I can’t watch this. I’d been there for 150 whatever straight days and the one day I’m not there and they do that.” His jealousy only highlights how eager he is to return.

“Rob Thomson says Trea Turner has Grade 1 hamstring strain. Rob says it’s better than they thought. The Phils hope Trea is back for the playoffs,” John Clark of NBCS reported. He also added that Alec Bohm is expected to return in 10 days after his placement on the IL due to shoulder soreness.

Of course, bad news always comes with good news. At the very least, they will be back to help the team. But there was also some bad news regarding Brandon Marsh, who has been sick with the flu, although it is not expected to be too serious for the Phillies’ outfield.

Looks like a safe road to the postseason

Until now the Phillies continue to be dominant in the division, and it is very probable that they can win it now with record of 84-60 they are getting closer to eliminating the Mets from the race, but they need all their good players available.

Staying healthy will be critical as they push toward another deep postseason run. With Turner anchoring the lineup and providing steady production, the team can’t afford setbacks from their key contributors. Every bat and glove will matter when October pressure mounts.

Beyond Turner and Bohm, the Phillies need players like Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber at full strength to give them the extra spark. A complete roster gives Rob Thomson the flexibility to adjust in tight games and keep the offense rolling. Depth and health could be the difference between another heartbreak and a championship.

“Yeah. Just kind of grabbing on me. Didn’t feel good. Just feel like if, you know, I could have keep going, I would have not, you know. Get out there and try to limit the damage,” Turner said to NBC Sports Philly.

Reflecting on a similar injury he suffered, Turner added: “To be honest with you, I know I got an MRI tomorrow, try to figure it out, and hopefully better.” He hopes this setback won’t be as serious as the one he dealt in the past.

At the very least, Turner is holding on to the hope of returning in time to help in the postseason push. “You know, a little sore now and, try to get as far as you can, and, you know get ready for that last little stretch and then hopefully, you know, a good postseason push.”

Rob Thomson on Trea Turner’s situation

Losing Turner is hardly what Rob Thomson wanted to see, especially after the shortstop and several Phillies have been hitting their stride late in the regular season. For now, the manager said the team can only wait on the MRI results.

“There’s some concern there,” Thomson admitted. “Obviously he’s having a great year, he’s a big part of this ballclub. I wanna keep people healthy, especially coming down the stretch here. We’ll know more tomorrow.”

It had been 32 years since a Phillies player scored a run in each of the first three innings of a game—something Turner pulled off against Atlanta. It might sound simple, but given the team was coming off three straight losses and playing on the road, the feat was far from easy.

Turner finished that game with a .302 batting average. It also marked the second time this season he recorded six at-bats in a single game. This time he went 4-for-6—much better than the first instance back in May when he went 0-for-6. No doubt, it was a special night for him and his teammates.

Who was the last Phillies player to do it before Turner?

The last Phillie to pull off the same feat was Lenny Dykstra back on September 9, 1993, in a game against the Chicago Cubs. Two of Dykstra’s runs came off moonshots in the second and third innings. The Phillies won that game 10-8.

The celebration didn’t last long

After Turner’s breakout performance in Game 1, the Phillies came crashing back to earth in Game 2. The Braves got their revenge in front of the home crowd, bouncing back from a brutal 13-0 loss with a 6-1 win to even the series.

At least Trea Turner had one solid game before the Game 2 loss. Prior to that, he was in a deep slump, going hitless in three consecutive games with an 0-for-12 performance, which was certainly disappointing for him. Unfortunately, he couldn’t contribute in Game 2 either, finishing 0-for-4.

While the size of the deal initially sparked debate across the fanbase, signing a player of Turner’s caliber was always viewed internally as a decisive move for a franchise with serious postseason ambitions. Turner arrived in Philadelphia as one of the premier free agents on the market, and now, he’s beginning to deliver on those expectations.

Turner has been one of the most consistent bats in the Phillies’ lineup over the past 15 games. Entering the second week of May, he holds a .301 batting average and 108 OPS+, reflecting his ability to get on base and contribute at a steady rate.

More importantly, Turner continues to display the kind of situational hitting and base-running intelligence that made him a coveted asset in the first place. His presence at the top of the order has provided structure and stability to an offense looking to maintain momentum in a competitive NL East.

Rob Thomson’s praise for Turner

Phillies manager Rob Thomson hasn’t been shy in recognizing Turner’s recent surge. Speaking before a key game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Thomson credited the shortstop for his reliability.

“Trea seems like — knock on wood — he gets at least a base hit every night,” Thomson said, per the Daily Gazette, emphasizing Turner’s consistency and growing impact.

Turner responds with key performance vs. Rays

Turner responded to his manager’s endorsement with a standout effort on Wednesday night. In a pivotal matchup to help extend Philadelphia’s winning stretch, the 30-year-old went 2-for-4, launching a home run and collecting two RBI.

His timely hitting and leadership at the plate helped secure a crucial win for the Phillies and reaffirmed his status as a cornerstone of the franchise moving forward. Turner’s performance is not just a welcome sign for a team chasing postseason dreams—it’s a reminder of why the Phillies committed to him in the first place.

According to the Phillies’ stats, Stott is the second best in BA hitting .292 with an .804 OPS through 25 games this season. Harper, batting just .231, ranks near the bottom among players with at least 10 games played. Trea Turner sits slightly higher with a .262 batting average and a .675 OPS.

Through 28 games, the Phillies hold a 15-13 record. They recently won a series against the Cubs, taking two out of three games — their best result from their latest road trip, during which they managed just two wins in six games.

Who leads the Phillies in batting average after 28 games?

Among players with at least 10 MLB games played in 2025, Edmundo Sosa leads the Phillies in batting average, hitting .438 through 13 games. Coming off the bench, that’s an impressive mark for the utility player now in his fourth season with Philadelphia.

What’s going wrong for Bryce Harper?

The batting average rankings also highlight Bryce Harper’s struggles. His .231 average ranks ninth out of 11 Phillies players with 10 or more games played. Strikeouts have been a major issue — Harper currently has the third-most strikeouts on the team (25), trailing only Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto.

Trea Turner also struggling

Turner has also had a tough start, hitting just .262 across 26 games. He ranks fourth in strikeouts with 23, just behind Harper. Notably, both Turner and Harper have had more plate appearances than Stott, making Stott’s efficiency — posting stronger numbers in just 96 at-bats and 109 plate appearances — even more impressive.

Needless to say, the rest of the league will try to replicate their success and put together a team that could challenge come playoff time. That will be easier said than done, but there could be multiple players that could help with that cause.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at three of the best players who could be available and switch teams in free agency. Spoiler alert: Your favorite team will most likely miss the chance to sign them.

MLB Rumors: 3 Best Infielders That Could Be Available

3. Xander Bogaerts

Xander Bogaerts and the Boston Red Sox haven’t been able to reach an agreement on a contract extension. He’s had enough of giving up money to help the team out, and feels like he deserves more.

Moreover, the Red Sox failed to stay in contention this season, and will have plenty o new faces after several of their stars hit free agency. Bogaerts has been a stalwart for the organization, but his days in Boston seem numbered.

2. Trea Turner

The Los Angeles Dodgers struck gold when they acquired Trea Turner from the Washington Nationals. He can play multiple positions and is one of the best lead-off hitters in all the Big Show.

Turner’s defense is only topped by his offense, and the Dodgers simply can’t afford to let him walk away in free agency. However, he could be tempted to join another team if the offer is high enough.

1. Carlos Correa

There was plenty of speculation regarding Carlos Correa’s future for most of the season. And while the Minnesota Twins peaked later in the season, it seems like it may not be enough to retain him.

Correa was the most sought-after shortstop in the market the last offseason and is a lock to go through the same again if he decides to opt-out from his deal. He’s too good to waste his talents on a non-contending team.

The Yankees could’ve had Manny Machado and/or Bryce Harper. They could’ve pursued Carlos Correa, Carlos Rodon, Robbie Ray, or traded for Luis Castillo. Instead, they traded for an aging, injury-prone Josh Donaldson making nearly $30 million.

We’re talking about a team that’s spent $3 billion since 2009and has no World Series to show for it, and it’s hard to justify Cashman keeping his job. So, if he wants to turn things around once and for all, he should target — and get — at least two of these players.

MLB Rumors: 3 Players Yankees Should Target In Free Agency

3. Dansby Swanson

Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Josh Donaldson, and Gelyber Torres combined for 39 fielding errors last season. That shouldn’t happen with a defensive specialist such as Dansby Swanson taking over the starting SS spot.

Moreover, Swanson made great strides as a hitter this season, hitting .277 with an OBP of .329. The Atlanta Braves will sure love to keep him around, but it doesn’t sound like he’s got that on his plans right now.

2. Willson Contreras

Neither Jose Trevino, nor Kyle Higashioka have ever been or will ever be consistent hitters. That’s why the Yankees need to break the bank and pay Willson Contreras as much as he wants, as he’s one of the best in business in that regard among catchers.

The Yankees’ bottom of the order was horrible for the most part of the year, and it sure showed up in the postseason. The former Chicago Cubs star doesn’t strike out often, and he can hit for power and average while also being a great defender.

1. Trea Turner

With DJ LeMahieu struggling with injuries, the Yankees struggled vastly to get on base. They need a leadoff hitter who can actually… lead off the offense, and Trea Turner is one of the best in the game.

The Yankees need a shortstop who can live up to Derek Jeter’s standards. The Los Angeles Dodgers failed to extend Turner and risk losing him in free agency, and the Yankees simply cannot afford to miss out on this chance.

We already know superstars like Jacob deGrom, Xander Bogaerts,and Carlos Correa could opt out of their contracts and become unrestricted free agents at the end of the season. But what about those whose contracts will run out?

There will be no shortage of talent up for grabs in Major League Baseball next winter. That’s why today, we’re going to let you know about the top-notch free agents that could switch sides next season.

MLB News: The Top 3 Free Agents In 2023

3. Jose Abreu

The universal DH rule will grant players like Jose Abreu even more value in free agency. He’s been quite durable throughout his career, and one of the most consistent and dominant hitters in the Majors.

The Chicago White Sox are coming off a disappointing year, so he may look to pursue his career somewhere else. Even so, it’s hard to picture the Cuban slugger wearing different threads.

2. Trea Turner

The Los Angeles Dodgers pulled off a massive move to land Trea Turner a couple of years ago. And judging by his words and actions, it doesn’t seem like he’s planning on leaving Hollywood any time soon.

However, Turner’s ability to hit for both average and power, his versatility on the infield, and his clutch hitting would make him a highly-coveted asset in free agency. He’s in for a hugepayday in his next contract.

1. Aaron Judge

Aaron Judge has been the best player in the same league where Shohei Ohtani plays. Let that sink in. He’s amid a historical season and could run away with AL MVP honors while also winning a Quadruple Crown.

Judge decided to bet on himself and turned down a huge deal with the New York Yankees. Now, he’s looking at north of $300 million in his next contract after one of the most spectacular seasons in MLB history.