Nationals: What To Expect From The Rest Of The NL East

Philadelphia Phillies

2020 Record: 28-32

Notable Players Acquired/Re-signed: J.T. Realmuto, Didi Gregorius

Notable Players Lost: Brandon Workman, Tommy Hunter, Jay Bruce,

Since 2019, the Phillies have acquired Didi Gregorius, J.T. Realmuto, Jean Segura, Andrew McCutchen, Bryce Harper, and Zack Wheeler, but have yet to finish above .500. This off-season, the Phillies double down, signing Dave Dombrowski to be the team’s new president, and decided to run it back. He accomplished this by re-signed both Gregorius and Realmuto.

In 2020, the Phillies bullpen was last in ERA with an abysmal 7.06 ERA. So it should come as no surprise that the Phillies drastically revamped the relief core. Archie Bradley was signed to a Major League deal, while veterans Hector Rondon, Brandon Kintzler, and Tony Watson were all brought in on Minor League deals. Throw in flame thrower Jose Alvarado and Sam Coonrod, and the Phillies 2020 bullpen problems seem to be a distant memory.

Unlike the Mets, Nationals, and Braves, the Phillies rotation isn’t the team’s strength. At the front is Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler who are a formidable duo, but the rotation lacks depth behind them. Zach Eflin, Matt Moore, Chase Anderson, Vince Velasquez, and top prospect Spencer Howard will all be vying for a spot in the rotation.

Philadelphia will go as far as their offense will carry them. A lineup of Bryce Harper, Jean Segura, J.T. Realmuto, Andrew McCutchen, Didi Gregorius, Alec Bohm, and Rhys Hoskins is one of the best in the league, but the team has too many holes to overcome.

The Phillies have yet to do enough to push the needle in the division. Expect them to finish towards the bottom.

Prediction: Finishes fourth in the division