For the past three years, the Philadelphia fanbase has been treated to playoff baseball. The Fightins’ last did that in the glory days of 2007-11, where they collected a World Series win along with two National League titles. The only other instance of three playoff appearances was from 1976-78, where they were swept in the NLCS three straight years. Baseball has been underratedly good in the city of brotherly love the past couple years, and the team is looking to make another run.
After starting hot with sweeps over the Nationals and Rockies, and an important early season win over the powerhouse Dodgers, the Phil’s cooled off, dropping series to the Braves and Cardinals before splitting with the Giants.
As of late, the Phillies are coming off a redemption series win over the Chicago Cubs after getting embarrassingly swept by the Mets. The 15-13 Phillies find themselves in second place in the NL East, 4.5 games behind the Mets.
The bullpen has been the big question mark recently, almost the same bullpen that saw difficulties towards the end of the 2024 season, minus Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estevez, two key components. Taking most of the fall (deservingly) is Jordan Romano, posting a 12.19 ERA across 12 appearances, although we saw a glimpse of hope in his close against the Cubs on the 27th. Jose Alvarado and Matt Strahm have made up for some of Romano’s woes, combining for 6 saves and 5 holds.
On the other hand, most of the starters have been expectedly solid. Christopher Sanchez (3.42 ERA) has started to appear more consistent, while Jesús Luzardo (1.73 ERA) and surprisingly Taijuan Walker (2.78 ERA) have had nice starts. Zack Wheeler has been pitching a couple ticks below his career season last year, while Aaron Nola’s 5.40 ERA and 0-5 record make him look a lot worse than he is, although still not great.
The offense feels very similar to what they’ve done the past couple of years: Streaky and inconsistent. On base percent and walks are high, but the starting nine aren’t reaching the offensive potential they could be. Kyle Schwarber leads the team in homers (7) and OBP (.400), while Bryson Stott leads in batting average (.292). I’m confidently waiting for Bryce Harper to turn into the form we all know him as, although he’s gotten off to an uncharacteristically slow start.
Alec Bohm’s struggles look a lot worse on paper than they do watching him play. He’s started to heat up recently, and while he was struggling he was still hitting balls hard, just in the wrong places. Edmundo Sosa’s super-utility role has proved to be perfect, as he’s slashing an absurd .438/.457/.563 through 13 games, and Johan Rojas has showed some development in the box, raising both his average and OPS 20 points from last season.
A big move at the trade deadlines feels imminent, as the Phillies appear to be in win-now mode following tough playoff exits. Win-now mode is the only mode they can afford to be in, with some contracts expiring and Father Time working his effects.
The clock is ticking for the Phillies, as both key veterans Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto enter their last year on this contract with Philadelphia, along with younger players like Bohm, Brandon Marsh, and Stott. Nick Castellanos, Walker, Alverado and Strahm are all only signed through the 2026 season.
If the Phillies are going to make one or two final pushes, it’s going to be in the next two years. The whole team, as successful as they’ve been in the past, may only have this and next season to finish the job they’ve been unable to complete.
As the season continues, expect moves in the bullpen and hope the offense can get hot at the right time. At the end of the day, baseball is good in Philadelphia right now, and they’re still fun to watch, most of the time. It could be better, but it could definitely be a lot worse.
Sources:
Philadelphia Phillies Contracts
Philadelphia Phillies 2025 MLB Regular Season Pitching Stats – ESPN
Philadelphia Phillies 2025 MLB Regular Season Batting Stats – ESPN
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