The Phillies are sticking with a veteran core in 2026. But this time the kids have to play too.

Scott Lauber: The Phillies are sticking with a veteran core in 2026. But this time the kids have to play too.

PHILADELPHIA — After a spring training workout in February, Kyle Schwarber contemplated the likelihood of the Phillies keeping most of the roster’s core intact through the end of the decade.

The Phillies are sticking with a veteran core in 2026. But this time the kids have to play too.

Even as the Phillies bring back their thirtysomething stars, the maturation of their next core will be vital to their success this season — and beyond.