The past few seasons have ended in heartbreaking fashion for the Phillies. In 2022, the Phillies won the NL pennant; after going up 2-1 in the World Series, their season came to a close in a heartbreaking loss in game six of the World Series to the Astros. That season showed the Phillies had what it takes to win it all, and fans had high expectations for the following seasons.
The Phillies got eliminated in 2023 by the Diamondbacks in the NLDC after going up 2-0 in the first two games of the series. This past season, the Phillies had 95 wins, had 67 losses and won their first NL East title since 2011. The Phillies had a great regular season, clinching a first round bye and home field advantage just behind the Dodgers.
The Phillies postseason was very disappointing, losing to the Mets in the NLDS in game four. Phillies fans are not satisfied anymore with the good regular seasons and not getting the job done in the postseason; and fans were looking for a change this offseason.
Offseason Changes
Fans wanted Phillies General manager Dave Dombrowski to add depth to the bullpen and pitching, as well as additions to the outfield. After a quiet bat from outfielders Brandon Marsh, and Johan Rojas in the playoffs, fans wanted a stronger bat to add depth to the outfield. The Phillies added Max Kepler from the Twins to be their everyday left fielder. The Phillies gave Kepler a one year, 10 million dollar deal. Kepler hit 8 home runs with 42 RBI’s and had a .253 batting average in 2024.
The Phillies also added pitchers Joe Ross and Jordan Romano to the bullpen. The Phillies did lose key pieces to their bullpen this offseason when they lost pitchers Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Esteves, who were key pieces and two of their top bullpen pitchers.
The biggest piece the Phillies added was former Marlins pitcher Jesús Luzardo; he will add to one of the best rotations in baseball and is a great addition to the Phillies already impressive rotation. The Phillies gave up two top prospects SS Starlyn Caba and OF Emaarion Boyd to get Luzardo.
Prospects to Watch this Spring
- Aidan Miller INF
Aiden Miller was drafted with the 27th overall pick in the 2023 draft. Miller has the chance to be the future of the Phillies. He has had huge success in the minor leagues so far. Last year he had a .261 batting average, 11 home runs and 60 RBI’s playing in Low A, High A and Double A in 2024. Miller puts great loft on the ball and has a lot of versatility in the field. The Phillies hope to have Miller with the club by 2026. Keep your eye out for Aiden Miller, who could be looking to make a run at the club by October and could make an impact immediately.
2. Andrew Painter SP
Andrew Painter was the number 13th overall pick in the 2021 draft out of high school. Andrew Painter is ranked as the number 8 overall prospect in baseball (MLB.com) Painter has struggled with injuries in his minor league career. Painter had Tommy John surgery due to ucl injury that did not allow him to pitch in 2023 and 2024. Painter pitched in the Arizona Fall league and performed well; he had a 2.30 ERA. The Phillies see Painter as their future ace. Painter has a four pitch mix and his fastball can get up to 100 MPH! Look out for Painter throughout spring training and this year in the minors. He could get the call up to the big leagues anytime this year.
3. Justin Crawford OF
Crawford was the 17th pick in the 2022 draft. Crawford is one of the fastest outfielders in minor league baseball with a great bat. Crawford has a .313 batting average in 2024 he also hit 9 home runs and 61 RBI’s. He needs to improve his ground ball rate; if he can elevate the ball more, he would really improve his game. Crawford is on pace to make the Phillies by the end of this season and should add a lot to the outfield by the end of the year.
4. Gabriel Rincones Jr. OF
Rincones was drafted in the third round of the 2022 draft. Rincones has made a splash this spring, hitting three towering home runs in the first six spring training games. Rincones put his power on display early this year. Rincones hit .252 with 11 home runs in double A reading. Rincones is expected to return to Reading and is expected to have a huge leap this year.
2025 Exceptions and Predictions
The Phillies are starting the year again with very big expectations; after winning 95 games, there is a lot of pressure on the Phillies to get over the hump. The Phillies have the 6th best odds to win the world series at 12-1. It’s all about getting hot at the right time in the MLB. For example, the Phillies started off the first few months hot and finished off the season slow, going into the playoffs giving them no momentum in the playoffs, while the Mets started slow but ended hot, the momentum carrying them through the playoffs.
The Phillies have the roster, coaching staff and depth to win the world series. The key is to stay healthy and consistent. If the Phillies can do that, they have a huge chance to bring a trophy to Philadelphia.
