The Philadelphia Phillies once again enter a new season as strong contenders to win the World Series. Equipped with a stacked roster full of multi-time All-Stars, the Phillies are a well-balanced team that has its sights set on a deep run this October. The ghosts of playoffs past could be the only thing holding them back after Philly was stunned by the New York Mets in last year's National League Division Series.
After snapping the longest playoff drought in the NL with a run to the World Series in 2022, the Phillies bowed out of the playoffs one round earlier in the subsequent two seasons. Accruing 185 wins in the past two regular seasons resulted in no return trip to the Fall Classic. That has only made the fanbase in the City of Brotherly Love more eager to see their baseball team fight for a championship.
The 2025 season could represent the last chance for the Phillies to follow through with that. Several key players are in contract years, while the entire core is another year older. Despite last season's disappointment and minimal additions in the offseason, expectations remain high for the reigning NL East champions.
Major highs and significant lows the story of 2024 Phillies
Last season was an incredible mix of highs and lows for the Phillies. They were on pace for a record 117 wins after sweeping the defending World Series champion Texas Rangers in late May. Their 20th loss didn’t come until June 9. After seizing sole possession of first place in the NL East on May 3, they never gave it up. A franchise-record eight players were named to the NL All-Star team.
The lows came during the second half of the season. Philly played .500 ball after the All-Star break, entering the playoffs on cruise control after losing eight of their final 13 regular season games. The writing was on the wall for an early postseason exit, even if no one in the building wanted to believe it.
Philadelphia's bats went silent and the bullpen imploded in historic fashion during its four-game loss to the Mets in the NLDS. A Nick Castellanos walk-off hit in Game 2 was the Phillies' lone bright spot in the playoffs. They left much to be desired after capturing their first division title since 2011.
Phillies debutants to watch in 2025
The Phillies built their current core by making several significant moves throughout the past few offseasons. This winter was much different as Philadelphia did not sign a free agent to a multi-year deal. The front office felt no need to make notable upgrades to a team that won 95 games last season.
Still, a few new faces can be key contributors to the 2025 Phillies.
Perhaps the most intriguing move the Phils made was acquiring left-handed starter Jesus Luzardo in a trade with the Miami Marlins. Once a highly-touted prospect, injuries have been an unfortunate part of Luzardo's MLB career. He debuted with the Oakland A's in 2019 but did not start more than 18 games in a season until 2023. Luzardo showed his worth that year, posting a 3.58 ERA with 208 strikeouts across 32 starts with the Marlins. His 2024 campaign was again cut short due to injury, but the Phillies eyed more starting pitching depth and decided to take a chance on the 27-year-old.
Of the few signings they did make, Max Kepler and Jordan Romano are the most noteworthy. Kepler is slated to be Philly's everyday left fielder following a 10-year stint with the Minnesota Twins. A career .237 hitter, Kepler averaged 21 doubles and 15 home runs over the past four seasons. He ended spring training with a 1.175 OPS and team-leading 11 runs batted in.
As for Romano, the former Toronto Blue Jays closer hopes a change of scenery can help him regain his All-Star form. The right-hander was among the top relievers in baseball from 2021-2023, recording 95 saves with a 2.37 ERA. He was named an All-Star twice, holding opponents to a .196 batting average during those three years. Elbow inflammation limited Romano to 15 appearances in 2024. He seems fully healthy and is ready to take over the closing duties for the Phils.
In terms of minor leaguers, all eyes will be on Philadelphia's No. 1 ranked prospect Andrew Painter. The Phillies selected Painter 13th overall in the 2021 MLB Draft and he immediately became one of their brightest prospects in years.
The hype train derailed for a bit when he was diagnosed with an elbow sprain in March 2023, eventually leading to Tommy John surgery for the promising righty. He returned to action last fall, earning Arizona Fall League Pitcher of the Year honors after striking out 30% of the hitters he faced. Painter turns 22 in April and will spend time in extended spring training to build his arm up. All signs point to him joining the Phillies' rotation at some point this summer.
World Series or bust for Phillies in 2025?
Few teams can enter a season with realistic possibilities of winning the World Series. The Phillies are among those teams in 2025, but the path to simply get into the playoffs will be tough.
The NL East will be a dogfight at the top with the Mets and Atlanta Braves eyeing the division crown. The race for a wild card spot is expected to be tight as well. At least eight NL teams have an argument to be serious playoff contenders, and a couple of others could make noise down the stretch.
Once again, the Phillies are projected to be around the 90-win mark. Hitting that number might not guarantee a division title, but it should be more than enough to get back into the dance.
Several players should be in contention to win awards, including Zack Wheeler for NL Cy Young, Trea Turner and Bryce Harper for NL MVP, and Andrew Painter for NL Rookie of the Year.
Anything less than a championship will be disappointing for the 2025 Phillies. Regardless of how the season ends, it should be another exciting summer in Philadelphia as they strive for a fourth consecutive trip to the postseason and the franchise's third World Series title.