The Phillies postseason runs keep ending earlier and earlier. And now some hard decisions are at hand for the NL East champions after their rather uninspiring and flat showing in their raises tough questions about this groups ceiling. After starting 62-34, the Phillies went 34-37, including these four postseason games, to end the season. The teams core is only getting older while still remaining costly and two key relievers against the Mets in Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estevez are both free agents. The Phillies went out with a whimper in the NLDS. AP I would hope (they keep the core group together), said star shortstop Trea Turner, who went 3-for-15 in the series, . I think weve got the right guys in here. Teams Ive been on in the past that have won consistently have most of the team coming back. I think youve seen that here the last two or three years. Some guys will come and go or whatnot, but I think we have what it takes in here and we have to find a way Aj Smith-shawver Jersey to get it done next year. Explore More The Phillies are a win-now team constructed to win a championship, but this years postseason exit has a different feel than the previous two. Philadelphia made a stunning World Series run two years ago before falling short against the Astros, which opened its championship window. Last years team had a respectable run but had a disappointing finish by blowing a 3-2 series lead to the Diamondbacks in the NLCS by dropping Game 6 and Game 7 at home. This years team provided the biggest gut punch of them all after looking like the best team in the sport for a decent portion of the season, entering the break with the best record. Phillies GM Dave Dombrowski has some tough decisions ahead. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post While the Phillies won their first NL East title in 13 years, a tough fan base will only against the Mets defined by a lack of hitting and a leaky bullpen. We have a really great group, Phillies manager Rob Thomson said. We got beat in a short series. The Phillies dont have many free agency-related questions since most of their team is still under contract, but the larger narrative is whether change is needed with this group seemingly regre sing. Its one thing for a team to go cold at the wrong time think last years Braves but another when the team plays poorly in the second half and then wilts in the NLDS against a rival. Reliever Jeff Hoffman is a pending free agent. AP The bullpen could be an area of concern if both Hoffman and Estevez leave, and the NLDS showed that the lineup could use some lengthening. Bryston Stott (2-for-11), Alec Bohm (1-for-13) and Brandon Marsh (1-for-13) provided little production against the Mets and its po sible the uber-aggre sive Dave Dombrowski searches for upgrades. The Phillies rotation has its top four pitchers all locked up, but the the remaining two years and $36 million left on Taijuan Walkers contract. Ray Stubblebine/UPI/Shutterstock Philadelphia already has $221.8 million committed to its 2025 payroll before arbitration raises, . Phillies owner John Middleton is one of the few owners in the sport who truly cares about winning, and his franchise may have to get creative to improve without running an astronomical payroll. Every year we dont get it done, thats one more that pa ses us by, Phillies catcher Realmuto said, . Obviously, I feel like were all in our prime now. I dont feel like anybodys close to being out of their prime. So, theres still time for this group to get it done. But every time we dont, it hurts a little more and stings a little more. Atlanta Braves Jersey