2. Max Kepler, LF
Romano isn't the only Phillies newcomer who's underperformed this season. Veteran left fielder Max Kepler has also failed to live up to the hype after signing a one-year, $10 million contract with Philadelphia in the offseason.
Even though it's a small sample size, Kepler hasn't looked quite like himself following his 2024 season-ending knee injury.
The German-born outfielder is only batting .172 through his first nine games (29 at-bats) with the Phillies, mustering just one home run and an RBI while drawing seven walks with six strikeouts. He might be drawing more walks than ever before, but that doesn't change how Kepler's presence has lowered Philadelphia's win probability so far, according to Baseball Reference.
Barring a turnaround, it's becoming increasingly difficult to justify Kepler's $10 million price tag.
3. Carlos Hernandez, RHP
Carlos Hernandez was a late addition to the Phillies' 2025 roster, having been claimed off waivers on March 23 after being outrighted by the Kansas City Royals. Even though the 6-foot-4 righty recorded a forgettable 6.97 ERA in eight spring appearances with the Royals, Philadelphia fans were hopeful that a change in scenery could help Hernandez out.
The Venezuelan reliever finally made his Phillies debut on March 28 and things couldn't have gone worse. He didn't play any positive part in Philadelphia's 11-6 win over the Washington Nationals that day, having allowed two earned runs and a homer on three hits with only one strikeout on 22 pitches thrown.
Unsurprisingly, the Phillies haven't sent Hernandez back to the mound since that disaster. If he can't prove that he deserves to be back in the bullpen mix, his Philly tenure might end as quickly as it began.
4. Brandon Marsh, OF
It's hard to believe that Brandon Marsh is already in his fourth season with the Phillies.
The Los Angeles Angels sent the 6-foot-2 outfielder to Philadelphia back in August 2022, resulting in catcher Logan O'Hoppe being shipped off to the City of Angels. Marsh has since mashed 31 home runs and 135 RBIs while slashing .266/.346/.440 in 309 games with the Phillies before the 2025 season began.
Unfortunately, Marsh hasn't looked like that same player to begin the year. The Buford, GA native has tallied an underwhelming .167/.310/.292 slash line while putting up only one HR, four RBIs, and nine strikeouts across 24 ABs in his first nine games.
With Johan Rojas and Edmundo Sosa earning more playing time with each passing game, the pressure has never been higher for Marsh to get back on track. The Phillies could choose to ship the struggling vet out of town before the trade deadline if Thomson & Co. are confident that either of the up-and-coming duo can successfully replace Marsh.