I still like our group, our core group of guys, going into next year," he says of the relievers. It is unlikely, though, that both Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estevez will return.

And knowing Middleton and his desperate desire to bring another title to Philly, he might make a "stupid trade," after spending "stupid money" on a spree that brought Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Castellanos, Trea Turner and others to Philadelphia.