The Philadelphia Phillies have built a team that is made for the postseason. We have seen that over the last two years. This season, that success could take off in the regular season.

2023 SEASON IN-REVIEW

Record: 90-72, 2nd in NL East

Postseason: Win vs. Miami Marlins (2-0) in Wild Card round, Win vs. Atlanta Braves (3-1) in NLDS, Loss to Arizona Diamondbacks (4-3) in NLCS

It was a disappointing end to the season for the Phillies in 2023. After winning 90 games, Philadelphia took down NL East rival Atlanta Braves in the NLDS once again. The Phillies led 3-2 in the NLCS heading back home. In a shocking turn of events, Arizona won Games 6 & 7 at Citizens Bank to advance. The Phillies retained plenty of production this offseason and have only gotten better.

2024 SEASON PREVIEW

Key Losses: 1B Rhys Hoskins, RP Craig Kimbrel, SP Michael Lorenzen

Key Additions: OF Whit Merrifield, SP Spencer Turnbull

There is a ton of money spread across this Phillies team. Bryce Harper has a massive contract. Trea Turner is a fellow $300-million dollar player. Aaron Nola agreed to a seven-year deal while Zack Wheeler extended for three years, $126 million.

Philadelphia is ready to win this year and for the future. The team has been to back-to-back championship series in the National League. Now, it is all about getting it done.

Turner got off to a slow start after signing his massive deal in Philly. He was able to turn it around and become a factor during the most important time of the year. We have seen slow starts from players after cashing in. Now in year two, Turner should be ready to go. Harper is healthy, J.T. Realmuto is behind the plate, and Kyle Schwarber remains lurking in the leadoff spot. At full strength, Nick Castellano and Alec Bohm can provide length in the lineup.

Bryson Stott remains an x-factor. At 26 years old, he showed great potential last season. Stott hit .280 with 15 home runs and 62 RBI. This is a young bat that has star potential.

The rotation continues to be strong top to bottom. Aaron Nola clearly had no interest in signing elsewhere as he quickly agreed to a $172-million deal to remain in Philadelphia. Wheeler extended, giving the Phillies a legitimate ace.

The Phillies have the luxury of playing in a questionable division this year. It is hard to imagine Philadelphia finish worse than second in the NL East. In the same breathe, it is hard to imagine the Phils beating out the Atlanta Braves for the division title. That has not mattered in recent years as the Phillies have eliminated Atlanta in each of the last two postseasons. Winning the division no longer matters in baseball. It is all about getting into the playoffs and it is hard to imagine the Phillies miss out.

If healthy, this is a lineup that should score a lot of runs. Harper has officially made the move to first base after Tommy John surgery in 2022.

It is going to be another exciting year in Philadelphia. Could this be the year that the city finally gets over the hump and wins it all? That is yet to be seen.

Potential Starting Lineup

1. Kyle Schwarber, DH
2. Trea Turner, SS
3. Bryce Harper, 1B
4. J.T. Realmuto, C
5. Bryson Stott, 2B
6. Alec Bohm, 3B
7. Nick Castellanos, OF
8. Brandon Marsh, OF
9. Johan Rojas, OF

Potential Rotation

• Zack Wheeler
• Aaron Nola
• Ranger Suarez
• Taijuan Walker
• Cristopher Sanchez

Final Record Prediction: 92-70