From an offensive perspective, with the exception of Max Kepler, the Philadelphia Phillies return their lineup from last year. That’s not necessarily a bad thing when we are talking about a lineup led by Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, and Kyle Schwarber. On the pitching side of things, Christopher Sanchez looks to continue his breakout, while Jesus Luzardo could prove to be a strong addition as long as he stays healthy.
Breakout – Christopher Sanchez
Not only did Christopher Sanchez have a strong 2024 season, but helium has followed him throughout the offseason. The left-hander burst onto the scene with career highs across the board as he made 31 starts in 181.2 innings. Sanchez had a 3.32 ERA, with a 3.56 xERA and 3.00 FIP, while showing multiple signs of success. He walked just 2.18 batters per nine innings to go along with a 57.4% ground ball rate while allowing only 0.54 home runs per nine innings. Despite throwing with high velocity, Sanchez only struck out 7.58 batters per inning, but he has shown the ability to boost that number. Once that happens, Sanchez will really be ready to take the next step.
Top Prospects:
Hitting Prospect – Justin Crawford: After finishing 2024 with 41 games in Double-A, Justin Crawford is ready to take the next step in 2025. The Phillies are promoting Crawford to Triple-A to begin 2025 after finding success last year. Crawford’s power is still developing, and likely it won’t be an elite tool, but he hit .337 with three home runs, 26 RBI, and 16 stolen bases. Prior to that, Crawford stole 27 bases in 70 games in High-A. Between both levels, Crawford had 26 doubles, so there is some pop in his bat. It’s just unclear how much of that we see this year.
Pitching Prospect – Andrew Painter: It’s all about the health. If Andrew Painter was healthy last year, he likely would not longer be a prospect. We haven’t seen Painter pitch in an organized game in the last two years, and his 2025 season will begin in extended spring training. I’m not sure anyone is guilty of this, but Painter shouldn’t be forgotten. The strikeouts were always at an elite level, and there’s no reason not to expect him to continue both his success and strong performance.
Key Hitters:
C: JT Realmuto: Prediction: .260 AVG, 20 HR, 70 RBI, 65 R, 8 SB
1B: Bryce Harper: Prediction: .280 AVG, 30 HR, 90 RB, 90 R, 6 SB
3B: Alex Bohm: Prediction: .280 AVG, 17 HR, 95 RBI, 70 R, 4 SB
SS: Trea Turner: Prediction: .275 AVG, 22 HR, 75 RBI, 100 R, 30 SB
RF: Nick Castellanos: Prediction: .260 AVG, 25 HR, 80 RBI, 75 R, 5 SB
DH: Kyle Schwarber: Prediction: .230 AVG, 40 HR, 100 RBI, 90 R, 3 SB
Starting Rotation:
SP1: Zack Wheeler: Prediction: 2.90 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 210 K, 14 W
SP2: Jesus Luzardo: Prediction: 4.05 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 170 K, 11 W
SP3: Aaron Nola: Prediction: 3.80 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 190 K 12 W
SP4: Christopher Sanchez: Prediction: 3.60 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 145 K, 10 W
SP5: Ranger Suarez: Prediction: 3.60 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 150 K, 11 W
Key Bullpen Arms:
Closer: Jordan Romano: Prediction: 3.85 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 60 K, 25 SV
SU1: Orion Kerkering: Prediction: 2.90 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 70 K, 5 SV
SU2: Jose Alvarado: Prediction: 3.50 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 65 K, 5 SV
