Jul 14, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm (28) and first baseman Bryce Harper (3) in between innings against the Oakland Athletics at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports Eric Hartline
Prior to his departure to join the Boston Red Sox on a five-year/$130 million in free agency, Ranger Suárez had been the second longest-tenured Phillie, having debuted for the team on July 26, 2018.
Now that Suárez has moved on, here's a look at the five longest-tenured Phillies entering the 2026 season.
No. 1: RHP Aaron Nola
Debut For Phillies: July 21, 2015 vs. Tampa Bay Rays
Four days before Cole Hamels threw a no-hitter in what proved to be his final start as a Phillie, Nola made his Major League Debut. Despite limiting the Rays to just five hits and one run over six frames, Nola got the loss in his first MLB start.
Since then, he's developed into one of the greatest starters in franchise history, finishing third in NL Cy Young Award voting in 2018, and fourth in 2022. Nola will enter the 2026 season fifth in franchise history in games started (285), and second in strikeouts (1,876).
While Nola is coming off of the worst season of his career — he posted a 6.01 ERA across 17 starts in 2025 — he's not going to vacate this position any time soon. 2026 is just the third season of a seven-year/$172 million contract.
No. 2 (tie): Catcher J.T. Realmuto
Debut For Phillies: March 28, 2019 vs. Atlanta Braves
The Phillies sent Jorge Alfaro, Sixto Sánchez and Will Stewart to the Miami Marlins in a trade that allowed them to acquire Realmuto on Feb. 7, 2019.
Across his first seven seasons in red pinstripes, Realmuto has established himself as arguably the greatest catcher in franchise history. Realmuto was an All-Star in 2019 and 2021, while winning Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Awards in 2019 and 2022.
Though the Phillies nearly pivoted to Bo Bichette, Realmuto wound up re-signing with the Phillies on a three-year/$45 million contract — which includes additional incentives — as a free agent on Jan. 16, 2026.
No. 2 (tie): First Baseman Bryce Harper
Debut For Phillies: March 28, 2019 vs. Braves
Harper was a free agent for over 100 days following the 2018 season, but ultimately signed a 13-year/$330 million contract with the Phillies that ties him to the team through the 2031 campaign.
Since joining the Phillies, Harper has won three Silver Sluggers (2021, 2023 and 2024) and the 2021 NL MVP. His 12 postseason home runs are second in franchise history, trailing only current teammate Kyle Schwarber's 14. Harper won the 2023 NLCS MVP after his "Bedlam at the Bank" home run in Game 5 against the San Diego Padres sent the Phillies to the World Series.
The only thing really missing from Harper's Phillies resume is a World Series victory.
No. 4: RHP Zack Wheeler
Debut For Phillies: July 25, 2020 vs. Miami Marlins
Wheeler limited the Marlins to just one run over seven innings in his Phillies debut, a signal of what was to come during his five-year/$118 million contract, which turned out to be one of the most team-friendly free-agent deals in MLB history.
Over Wheeler's first five seasons with the Phillies, he led all pitchers with a 24.6 WAR, per FanGraphs. Wheeler finished runner-up in NL Cy Young Award voting in both 2021 and 2024.
Prior to the final season of his original deal, the Phillies rewarded Wheeler with a three-year/$126 million contract. Wheeler has said he plans to retire following the conclusion of this deal after the 2027 season.
He's currently the all-time franchise leader in WHIP (1.016) and K/9 (10.057), while being tied for the top ERA+ of 146 with George McQuillan.
No. 5: 3B Alec Bohm
Debut For Phillies: Aug. 13, 2020 vs. Baltimore Orioles
Selected with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft out of Wichita State, Bohm made his much-anticipated MLB Debut during the COVID-shortened 2020 season, ultimately finishing in a tie for second in NL Rookie of the Year Award voting behind Devin Williams.
During parts of six MLB seasons, Bohm has had some impressive moments, including when a scalding-hot start to 2024 led to him starting at third base for the NL All-Star team. However, he's a .279 career hitter with a .743 OPS, so it's fair to say that he hasn't lived up to the expectations that were placed upon him as a prospect.
Bohm has been a trade candidate in each of the past two offseasons, but it looks like the 29-year-old will indeed return to the Phillies as their starting third baseman for the 2026 season. However, with top prospect Aidan Miller looming, there's a strong chance this is Bohm's final campaign with the Phillies, as he's slated to become a free agent next winter.
José Alvarado is the next longest-tenured Phillie, having made his first appearance with the team on April 1, 2021. Alvarado is also entering a contract year in 2026.
