The Philadelphia Phillies closed out the first month of the MLB season, taking two out of three from the Chicago Cubs. The series win improves their record to 15-13, four and a half games behind the New York Mets. Multiple areas of concern are making themselves known in the young season, hopefully early enough for the organization to correct course. Let’s look at what has worked, what hasn’t, and what still needs to be addressed in the young season.
The free-swinging Phillies’ last two postseason runs have ended because their bats went cold. The lineup is taking a more disciplined approach this year, and the numbers bear that out. Their 25th-ranked chase rate in 2024 has improved to sixth best in the majors this season, and a team total of 120 walks is good for third best in all of baseball.
While the discipline is encouraging, the power has not been there for the club in March and April. Their 22 home runs rank only 25th; a stark contrast to the 40 they hit by this time last year. As the weather in the Northeast warms up, those home run totals and their 23rd-best .375 slugging percentage should rise quickly.
On the mound, the Phillies’ starting pitchers are reliable as ever. Jesus Luzardo appears to be one of the better offseason acquisitions in baseball, and Ranger Suarez should make his season debut by the end of the week. Zack Wheeler continues to perform like the ace he is, and Aaron Nola has quietly put together a few quality starts recently.
Another year, another bullpen odyssey in Philadelphia. Their relievers have a combined 5.28 ERA on the season, the second worst in the Major Leagues. Jordan Romano, the big offseason piece added to the bullpen, currently has a 12.19 ERA. Although Matt Strahm and Jose Alvarado have been steady pieces in the pen, we may find out St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley’s cheesesteak preference sooner rather than later.
The more business-like approach the Phillies hitters are taking this season seems to be paying off so far. Before June, it is too early and too cold to worry too much about a lack of power. The discipline at the plate should pay off once the postseason arrives. Keep an eye on Left Field if a platoon between Weston Wilson and Max Kepler does not work out; expect the Phillies to address that position at the deadline.
There are reports that the Phillies may be aggressive in curing their bullpen woes, possibly making a move well before the trade deadline. Philadelphia may need to acquire more than one high-leverage arm to compete in the postseason. Although manager Rob Thompson does not like to name an everyday closer, Helsley should step into that role immediately if he is acquired.
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