{"id":107590,"date":"2025-09-22T23:14:13","date_gmt":"2025-09-23T03:14:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=107590"},"modified":"2025-09-22T23:14:13","modified_gmt":"2025-09-23T03:14:13","slug":"the-optimal-phillies-postseason-lineup-construction","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2025\/09\/22\/the-optimal-phillies-postseason-lineup-construction\/","title":{"rendered":"The Optimal Phillies Postseason Lineup Construction"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Philadelphia Phillies’ postseason lineup construction<\/a> will play a role in determining their performance in October. In the last two postseasons, the Phillies’ offense has gone quiet at the worst possible time. Both instances saw the batting order play a role. The team has struggled to find a reliable cleanup hitter behind Bryce Harper<\/a>. While the team did try Kyle Schwarber<\/a> in that spot during the Bryson Stott<\/a> leadoff experiment<\/a>, it did not go well for Stott. Since Stott was moved out of the leadoff spot, the Phillies have had Trea Turner<\/a> in that role while he has been healthy. With Turner currently on the injured list<\/a>, the Phillies have had Harrison Bader<\/a> primarily batting leadoff. Harper also has batted first in the lineup once this season.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Sep 27, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) and shortstop Trea Turner (7) stand on the steps before the game between the Washington Nationals and the Philadelphia Phillies at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: James A. Pittman-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Picking the Optimal Phillies Postseason Lineup Construction<\/h2>\n

Top Three Spots in the Order<\/h3>\n

Turner should return to the leadoff spot once he comes back from the injured list. This season, Turner has an .835 OPS along with a 130 wRC+ while batting first in the order. Additionally, he has a 0.38 BB\/K rate and a .360 BABIP in that spot. For comparison, Turner has a .764 OPS and a 113 wRC+ while batting second this season. Following him and batting second should be Harper. This would allow for Schwarber to bat third and protect Harper in the lineup. If the Phillies want postseason success at the plate, protecting Harper is essential. Last season in the NL Division Series, the New York Mets walked Harper five times and largely pitched around him. Having Schwarber third means the opposing team will have to pitch to Harper more often.<\/p>\n

Middle Three Spots in the Order<\/h3>\n

The Phillies have options when deciding who should bat cleanup. Alec Bohm<\/a> and J.T. Realmuto<\/a> are probably the frontrunners. To try and spread out left-handed and right-handed hitters, Brandon Marsh<\/a> should bat fifth, presumably in between Bohm and Realmuto. This season, Bohm has a .534 OPS and a 46 wRC+ batting cleanup. Meanwhile, Realmuto has a .683 OPS along with an 88 wRC+ batting fourth in the order. Another scenario is Bader bats cleanup, followed by Marsh and Bohm, which might be the way to go looking at the splits Bohm has. Bohm has a .947 OPS and a 158 wRC+ batting sixth this season. In addition to that, Realmuto has a .907 OPS and a 152 wRC+ when batting sixth this season.<\/p>\n

\n

Harrison Bader, Welcome to Philadelphia! \ud83d\udd14 pic.twitter.com\/BO56VUQYqF<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 MLB (@MLB) August 5, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n