2024 Division Outlook: NL East
By Sam Holstine
Philadelphia Phillies
Key Additions
- RHP Aaron Nola
- LHP Kolby Allard
- UTL Whit Merrifield
- RHP Spencer Turnbull
Key Loses
- 1B Rhys Hoskins
- RHP Craig Kimbrel
- RHP Michael Lorenzon
The Philadelphia Phillies, only a couple years removed from their World Series appearance, head into 2024 with big ambitions once again. They may not have the roster that can dominate the regular season the way the Braves and Dodgers do, but the Phils can turn into the most fearful team come October. Rob Thomson enters another year as the Phillies manager as Philadelphia has their eyes on taking home the Commissioner's Trophy in 2024.
The top of the Phils lineup kills me as a Nationals fan, with former Nationals Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner, and Bryce Harper creating a three headed monster at 1-2-3. Just like with the top of the Mets lineup, Rob Thomson knows what he is getting out of the top of his lineup. Schwarber is one of the biggest "three true outcome" hitters in all of baseball, with a chunk of his plate appearances ending in either a strikeout, walk, or home run. Two time MVP Bryce Harper enters the season as a full time first baseman now, while maintaining elite offensive talent. Veterans J.T. Realmuto and Nick Castellanos extend the Phillies lineup, adding a lot of power and offensive contributions, with Alec Bohm and Bryson Stott adding to that. A lot of the rest of the Phillies lineup contains platoon-type roles, with Brandon Marsh, Johan Rojas, Edmundo Sosa, Whit Merrifield, and Cristian Pache all rotating throughout the bottom third of the of the lineup. Overall, this Phillies lineup is very deep, and could very well finish in the top three of offenses in the National League.
Bryce Harper FOR THREEEEEEE! 💥 pic.twitter.com/V27rtJJNKn
— MLB (@MLB) April 3, 2024
The Phillies rotation remained intact from last season, as the Phillies inked Aaron Nola to a seven-year deal to keep the right hander in Philly. Nola returns to Philly as the "second ace," working behind workhorse Zack Wheeler, who also got an extension. The two create a powerful tandem at the top of the Phillies rotation, with southpaws Ranger Suarez and Cristopher Sanchez following. Sanchez hopes to follow in Suarez's footsteps as a reliever-turned-starter in the Phillies rotation. The final spot belongs to Taijuan Walker, but he begins 2024 on the IL, so free agent Spencer Turnbull, who turned in a very impressive first start, gets to hold it down for now. Expect the Phils to return to the postseason once again.
Spencer Turnbull shuts down the Cardinals with 6 strong innings last night. pic.twitter.com/0NUACQqYyA
— Phillies Tailgate (@PhilsTailgate) April 9, 2024