The Philadelphia Phillies are on the road back to the Fall Classic starting now in spring training, with the new pieces figuring out their roles and the kids looking to take another step forward in 2023.
Philadelphia’s “day care” might have lost some members in Matt Vierling and Nick Maton, but Bryson Stott, Garrett Stubbs, Brandon Marsh and Alec Bohm will be the players Phillies fans hope will take that next step.
While the veterans on this team (Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Rhys Hoskins, and J.T Realmuto, and now add in Trea Turner), will take a majority of the offensive load on their shoulders, the kids still need to add consistency and prove just how much they matter to this roster and lineup. That matters even more especially when Dave Dombrowski is more than willing to get stars to fill out this lineup.
A look at the Phillies “day care” who could make an impact in 2023
Brandon Marsh has shown flashes of power and a more consistent bat. In 41 games after coming to the Phillies in a trade, Marsh posted a .288 average with nine doubles, two triples and three home runs. Marsh had a tough time hitting in the playoffs (in 16 games with 39 at-bats, Marsh had seven hits and scored five runs). With two home runs in the postseason, Marsh showed flashes of power, but his defense is why he was brought into Philly.
Garrett Stubbs was brought in this past season to be J.T. Realmuto’s backup. While he won’t get a ton of games, he does get a chance to learn from the best catcher in baseball. In 46 games last season, Stubbs had a .254 batting average, logging four doubles, a triple and five home runs along with 14 walks. It is clear with the amount of walks he draws that Stubbs has a good eye for the ball. For the first time in a while, when Realmuto has a rest day, Phillies fans don’t have to worry about the contribution from the catcher position. Stubbs will also be representing Israel in the World Baseball Classic.
Bryson Stott has become the de facto second baseman. Dombrowski and Thomson gave Stott the starting shortstop position after cutting Didi Gregorius. Stott had a rough go in the beginning of the season, but eventually got his confidence up and started seeing the ball much better. By the end of the season, Stott had 10 home runs, 19 doubles, two triples and 36 walks. Stott had a batting average of .234 with 49 RBI and 48 runs. Having a partner like Trea Turner should help Stott’s defensive game to a level he never touched before.
Alec Bohm has gone from “I %$#%^ hate it here” to “I %$#^ love it here.” Bohm has become the everyday third baseman. It was a rough start for him but, as he got more comfortable, he was making hard plays look routine. In 152 games, Bohm batted .280 with 13 home runs, 24 doubles, 3 triples and 31 walks. Bohm also added around 15 pounds of muscle in the offseason. Match that with his consistency, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Bohm joins the home run shows.
A World Series team is more than just their star players. They need the young kids and depth players to come up clutch and make plays when they have their chances. The Phillies loading up isn’t just a coincidence. With the NL East still being a challenge, the Phillies will have a tough road ahead and will need every bat available in that clubhouse.