Even though the Philadelphia Phillies had a dismal finish to 2023—losing two straight games at home to the lesser Arizona Diamondbacks—MLB observers still have confidence in the team going into 2024.
At the beginning of the year, MLB.com’s Will Leitch published his first 2024 power rankings, and the Phillies were ranked sixth, only below some of the league’s top clubs. They are behind the Texas Rangers, the defending World Series champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Atlanta Braves (1), and the Baltimore Orioles (2).
The Phillies of 2023 have demonstrated their playoff ability over the last two years, finishing among the last four teams in the postseason. They are ranked higher going into 2024 than the Diamondbacks, who finished their season a few months ago. They have fallen behind teams like the Atlanta Braves, though, who they defeated in the National League Division Series the previous two seasons.
The Houston Astros (6), Tampa Bay Rays (7), New York Yankees (8), Diamondbacks (9), and Toronto Blue Jays (10), among others, are among the other clubs ranked in the top 10.
The Phillies and president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski haven’t done much since signing Aaron Nola in November, so it’s not shocking to see this team crack the top five for 2024. Even though they did not play to their full ability, a club that finished with 90 wins in 2023 may possibly end up with 95 wins in 2024.
A new beginning suggests a more prosperous season for the following year, given the notable absences of players like Bryce Harper, Aaron Nola, and Ranger Suárez in 2023 and the strong slumps of Trea Turner and Carlos Alvarado. Come playoff time, a healthy Harper for the entire season and successful comeback seasons for guys of All-Star caliber like Turner and Nola could easily add a few more victories.
Similar teams are making significant squad additions in an effort to identify the secret to October success. The Los Angeles Dodgers have significantly improved their play on both sides of the ball. The Atlanta Braves have shown that they are not happy with the final product either by making a number of changes, such as adding Chris Sale, a previous elite starter.
The Phillies’ postseason performance will be the main topic of discussion. The roster is lacking some players. Guys like Cristopher Sánchez, Jake Cave, and Johan Rojas might not be enough to motivate a championship-chasing club to pursue the ultimate aim of a World Series.
The Phillies rank among the top five teams in the league right now. It will take maneuvers to be able to match up against the National League’s titans in order to go to the top rung on the ladder.
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