Already projected to be nearly $40 million over the competitive balance tax, the Philadelphia Phillies are exploring ways to upgrade their roster for next season without negatively impacting their long-term plans for success.

Per The Athletic's Matt Gelb, the Phillies have shopped Nick Castellanos, Alec Bohm and Ranger Suárez in trade talks this offseason.

There's no indication that any deal is close at this point, with Gelb noting the Phillies are seeking MLB-ready players back for either Bohm or Suárez.

Castellanos would be costly to deal, if only because his limited defensive ability makes the $40 million left on his contract less appealing to teams. According to Gelb, the Phillies would have to pay down "much" of the two-time All-Star's remaining salary.

Of the three players mentioned, Bohm seems like the one Philadelphia would be most eager to move. He's coming off easily the best season of his career in 2024 and is projected to earn $8.1 million in his second year of arbitration next season.

Dealing Bohm now would be selling high, but he's also not a player who would likely bring back a significant return. The 28-year-old was worth 3.5 FanGraphs wins above replacement in 2024, nearly matching his total from the previous three seasons combined (4.2).

Bohm tailed off in the second half last year after making the All-Star team. He hit .295/.348/.482 with 11 homers before the break, but just .251/.299/.382 with four homers after.

Given the current market for starting pitching, Suárez might bring back the biggest return of these three players for the Phillies. His value will be depressed because 2025 is his final year of arbitration, but a projected $11.3 million salary would be very appealing to every team that is looking for a starter.

Suárez made his first All-Star team in 2024 and posted a 3.46 ERA in 150.2 innings over 27 starts. The converted reliever ranks 10th among NL pitchers in WAR (8.2), 13th in innings pitched (431) and 17th in ERA (3.74) since the start of the 2022 season.

Phillies owner John Middleton has made it clear he anticipates their payroll will go up next season as they look to take advantage of this window with key players like Bryce Harper and Zack Wheeler still in their prime, but the front office might need to get creative to open up spots that they can upgrade.

Castellanos is expendable because they already have a bunch of outfield/DH-type players on the roster. Bohm still fills a need at third base, but 2023 first-round pick Aidan Miller is on his way after reaching Double-A as a 20-year-old at the end of last season.

Trading Suárez would be taking a key piece away from their greatest strength, but they would still have Wheeler, Aaron Nola and Cristopher Sánchez to anchor the rotation if they decide to deal him.

The Phillies won the NL East last season for the first time since 2011, but they lost in the NLDS to the New York Mets in four games.