#14
The Philadelphia Phillies extended their playoff drought in 2020 despite having a talented roster built to win now. Will 2021 finally see them break through to the postseason and fulfill the promise of their talent?
#4 - 1st in NL East, lose in NLCS
MIH - Andrew McCutchen
MIP - Zack Wheeler
PTW - Alec Bohm
2020 Results
#18 - 28-32, 3rd in NL East
Every year, I think it's time for the Phillies to break out and make a deep run in the playoffs, and every year they disappoint me. They keep adding elite pieces, and last year it was the addition of manager Joe Girardi. There didn't seem to be much difference on the field though. My highlighted players even had great years. Andrew McCutchen played well. Not great, but good. Zack Wheeler was their best player. Alec Bohm emerged as their everyday third baseman and a future star. With all that said, they still feel well short.
Additions / Subtractions
The Phillies for the most part made news this offseason in their desire to change as little as possible. They re-signed star free agents J.T. Realmuto and Didi Gregorius. They brought in veteran starters Matt Moore and Chase Anderson to replace departing Jake Arrieta. The one upgrade they made was closer Archie Bradley being brought in. Other than that, their roster is exactly the same as 2020.
Most Important Hitter
Bryce Harper
Bryce Harper is entering year 3 of his 13 year megadeal he signed with the Phillies. This deal is paying him like one of the top 5-10 best players in the league. The problem with that is his production on the field has yet to reach the promise of his paycheck. In the 5 seasons since his MVP in 2015 where he nearly posted a 10 WAR season, he has only posted two 4 WAR seasons (the rest are under 2), received MVP votes in only one season, and has simply not been able to match his reputation. The way the Phillies get over the hump and become an elite team in the league is if Bryce Harper gets back to being an elite player. If Harper is just good, they Phillies will be just good.
Most Important Pitcher
Archie Bradley
The bullpen has been one of the areas that has ruined many a recent Phillies' season. Their starting pitching has been solid, led by Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola. They just can't hold a lead. Archie Bradley is the latest arm to be brought in to try and stabilize the end of games for the Phillies. He has been a solid reliever everywhere he has pitched. If he is able to continue to show the consistency he has displayed throughout his career, he might finally be the answer for the Phillies' bullpen.
Prospect to Watch
Mickey Moniak
The Phillies have a lackluster farm system, only boasting two Top 100 prospects. Although one of those prospects (starting pitcher Spencer Howard) should have a big league impact in 2021, the most fascinating prospect to watch is Mickey Moniak. Although only the 12th ranked prospect in the Phillies' system, what makes him intriguing is the fact that he was the #1 overall pick in the 2016 Draft. Drafted straight out of high school, this outfielder has struggled to develop in the minors. In 2020, he finally made his big league debut, appearing in 8 games. Now he is competing for a roster spot and a possible starting job in centerfield. He is still only 22 years old. There is still the talent of a #1 overall pick in there. If he gets his shot, it will be fascinating to watch if he shows more of that promise than he has been able to display at other levels of the organization.
2021 Prediction
4th in NL East
I have predicted the Phillies to win this division the last two seasons. Their talent is good enough to be a playoff team. The problem is they are playing in what might be the toughest division in league history. Will I be surprised if they make the playoffs? No. However, I am done predicting it until I see it.
Fearless Prediction
Joe Girardi will be fired after the season.
The Phillies have built a roster to win now. They brought in a manager in Joe Girardi before last season to put them over the hump and get them to the playoffs. These windows for teams to win are not open very long. If it doesn't work this season, the Phillies may be looking for something drastic to change. Too many players are getting paid too much for too long, and even though Joe Girardi is one of the most respected men in all of baseball, he might be the one to change.
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