The Philadelphia Phillies are led by veteran players such as Bryce Harper, J.T. Realmuto, Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner, and Nick Castellanos, who represent their core players. Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Taijuan Walker, and Craig Kimbrel lead the team’s pitching from an experienced perspective.
Less experienced members of the roster have positively impacted the Phillies in addition to the more seasoned players on the roster. The club’s youth has picked up the slack at various points in the year. Let’s look at some of the younger individuals who are as significant as the veterans to the team’s chances of success this postseason should Philadelphia qualify.
Infielders
Alec Bohm and Bryson Stott Represent the Future of Philadelphia’s Infield
Alec Bohm and Bryson Stott have been two of the Phillies’ most reliable hitters throughout 2023. Bohm has been productive, whether he has batted near the top or in the middle of the lineup. For example, manager Rob Thomson placed the infielder in the second spot when Turner struggled previously. The 27-year-old is hitting in the middle of the lineup but is ready to hit wherever Thomson needs. The Omaha, Nebraska native has maintained his consistency while demonstrating his versatility offensively and defensively this year. He has proved to be valuable to the organization.
We deserve Alec Bohm. pic.twitter.com/4LxdDj5Vrx
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) September 4, 2023
Stott has arguably been the Phillies’ most consistent player this year. He has been crucial to their success in only his second season. The Las Vegas, Nevada native responded with a 4-for-5 effort on Sept. 4 after going 0-for-12 in his previous three games. He has not done as well at the plate in early September, but he has one of the highest batting averages on the team. The second baseman is one of the league’s better hitters when he has two strikes against him during an at-bat.
Outfield
Brandon Marsh Has Become a Significant Part of the Club
Brandon Marsh is one of the players on the Phillies roster that flies under the radar. The Buford, Georgia native can play any of the three positions in the outfield and remains crucial to their success offensively as he hits near the bottom of the batting order.
Marsh did well offensively during August, with a .412 batting average. He missed two weeks with a left knee contusion in August, and the club missed his presence both offensively and defensively during that span. The outfielder has blossomed into a vital part of the Phillies since the club acquired him from the Los Angeles Angels in August 2022.
Pitching
Cristopher Sanchez Has Been Solid as a Mid-Rotation Starter For Philadelphia
The Phillies have another option that has emerged this season as a solid starting pitcher in Cristopher Sánchez. The third-year pitcher will look to improve on his 2-3 record and 3.48 earned run average. Walker and Ranger Suárez are more experienced than him, but the 26-year-old left-hander has been Philadelphia’s third-best option in the starting rotation this year.
solid night on the bump for Sánchez 👏#RingTheBell x @PALottery pic.twitter.com/onckdbpf8K
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) August 26, 2023
Walker and Michael Lorenzen have needed to be more consistent during their starts. Suarez has been erratic in addition to missing time with injuries this year. Meanwhile, Sanchez has emerged as a sleeper candidate to start for the Phillies in the third game of a playoff series.
Sanchez’s start on August 30 against the Angels was not his best, as he only pitched 4.2 innings. That was his fewest since he threw only four innings on June 17 versus the Oakland Athletics. However, he is capable of walking only a few batters. The most he surrendered in his 14 starts this year was three during his start on August 11 against the Minnesota Twins. The case can be made that he is the Phillies’ third-best option as a starting pitcher.
The Phillies have many players whose performances will impact them this fall. Johan Rojas, Edmundo Sosa, and Cristian Pache are other young roster members who are capable of helping them in reserve roles as well. Their impacts should be considered, as all three are solid defenders.
It will take a total team effort for Philadelphia to clinch a postseason berth and win the World Series. The veterans will ultimately decide how the team fares down the stretch. However, the talented youth on the team should be noticed as they are capable of helping the club win a championship.
Main Photo Credits: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
