The 2026 Major League Baseball season is still very young, but what is going on with the offense for the Philadelphia Phillies? Known for lethal run-scoring capability in recent years, at least in the regular season, the two-time defending NL East champs are off to a slow start to say the least. After 20 games, the Phils are 8-12 and already 5.5 games back in the division. If you check the team’s offensive stats, you’ll find the Phillies near the bottom of MLB in many key offensive categories. Let’s see why the offense is kind of “offensive” right now in Philadelphia.
An “Offensive” Offense in Philadelphia
The Big Three
The offense in Philadelphia is usually fueled by the three most expensive bats in the lineup. You know their names: Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber, and Bryce Harper. Thus far, the Phils’ most potent hitters are not that hot yet. More specifically, they haven’t been hot in the most opportune moments. That is a big reason the team is chasing the Braves.
- Trea Turner: The shortstop and leadoff hitter is currently hitting at a .259 clip with a .693 OPS. His numbers aren’t putrid, but they are not representative of the reigning NL batting champ. With a poor OBP (.310), Turner’s speed has been less of a factor for the Phillies. He has only two stolen bases. When the Fightins’ are at their best, Trea is getting on base regularly and swiping a lot of bags.
- Kyle Schwarber: Kyle has blasted six home runs, but he is nearly leading MLB in strikeouts. Yes, he is typically a high-K guy. The advanced stats for the DH of the Phillies are actually pretty impressive, especially in terms of hard-hit rate and barrel % His numbers are not far off from his standard production. From someone who watches a lot of the Phils’ games, there has been a lack of key hits with men on base. Three or four different at-bats from Schwarber, and Philadelphia might be much higher in the standings.
- Bryce Harper: Although Philadelphia sports radio pundits may suggest otherwise, the two-time NL MVP is not off to that bad a start if you actually scan his numbers. But the Phillies are swooning, so Bryce often gets the blame … fairly or unfairly. If you want to analyze Harper sabermetrically, his exit velocity and hard-hit rate are down a bit. Like Schwarber, there have been some crucial spots where Bryce hasn’t done Bryce-type stuff. However, over the course of a long season, the Showman tends to have his moments.
The Daycare Needs to Step Up
In this acute observer’s opinion, the struggles of Alec Bohm and Bryson Stott have been maybe the biggest problem for the Phillies’ offense. Both have struggled mightily and have been dropped in the batting order. Bohm is hitting .145 after spending most of the last few years as the cleanup man behind Bryce Harper. Stott, once a very reliable bat, has now been relegated to platoon status at second base for Philadelphia. These former first rounders have provided consistent offense for the Phils in the past. If they can collectively turn things around, that would do wonders for a sputtering offense.
Some Other “Offensive” Trends
- The Phillies have been shut out three times already in 2026 and have scored three runs or less 11 times in just 20 games. Except for two games, the offense has been relatively dormant.
- Philadelphia has already lost four home series this year. In 2025, they lost only three home series all season. Offensive explosions at Citizens Bank Park have been a staple for this team over the last several years. If the Phillies want to capture a third consecutive National League East title, they need to start ringing the bell at CBP.
- Only three teams in MLB have scored fewer runs than the Phillies in 2026. That spotlights Philadelphia’s offensive woes, but it also shows its inability to manufacture runs regularly. The Phils are built for the three-run home run. Yet, as we have found out the last few Octobers, the ability to manufacture runs is just as important.
The Outlook
The 2026 season is in its infancy, so Phillies fans shouldn’t panic yet. You can’t win the division in April, but you can lose it in April … look at the Braves last year. The capable pieces are still in the Philadelphia lineup, and they can erupt out of this offensive slumber quickly. If the Phillies’ star bats can add some more timely hitting along with some help from the bottom of the batting order, this offense can be resolved before May.
Main Photo Credits: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
