As we hit Saint Patrick’s Day, the Phillies are looking to finally find the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. After a trip to the World Series that ended in defeat in 2022, the Phil’s went on a run to the NLCS last year, looking intent on finally winning their title. They were seemingly in complete control of that series with the Diamondbacks before suffering some bizarre late game losses that led to losing in seven games. After dealing with such disappointment the Phillies had a quiet offseason in terms of additions. Perhaps the biggest move they made was to re-sign Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler to a pair of big extensions. With those deals done they subtracted closer playoff scapegoat Craig Kimbrel from the fold and added veteran super-utility man Whitt Merrifield via free agency. Let’s dive into the keys to this team finally getting the job done.

Keys to Success

1. A Closer Emerges: If this team has a weakness, it’s definitely their bullpen. Craig Kimbrel was supposed to help solve things last year and he wound up being the teams undoing during the playoffs. Since they didn’t add a big name closer this winter, they are going to lean on lefty Jose Alvarado for now to lock down the ninth inning. If he doesn’t deliver they will be in the market for a closer at the deadline.

2. Rotation Depth Improves: For the last several years the Phillies rotation has been anchored by Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola. While their tandem of big game pitchers does its job time and time again, the Phillies need the back end of the rotation to give them quality innings. Taijuan Walker, Ranger Suarez and Michael Lorenzen (shown above) need to be consistent for this team. If they don’t the Phillies will be in the market for a starter at some point this season.

3. A Big Year for Trea: One of last year’s big-ticket signings was the Phillies bringing shortstop Trea Turner. Turner didn’t quite live up to the hype in the first half of the year, but he broke out of that slump in July and put together a terrific stretch run and postseason. For the Phillies to have the kind of year they are expecting, they will lean on Turner to be more consistent from start to finish this year.

The Lineup

1. Kyle Schwarber DH

2. Trea Turner SS

3. Bryce Harper 1B

4. Nick Castellanos RF

5. Alec Bohm 3B

6. Bryson Stott 2B

7. J.T. Realmuto C

8. Brandon Marsh CF

9. Johan Rojas LF

The Staff

1. Zack Wheeler

2. Aaron Nola

3. Ranger Suarez

4. Taijuan Walker

5. Michael Lorenzen

Closer: Jose Alvarado

The Prediction

92 Wins and a Wild Card Spot

While the Phillies have some potential flaws that could handcuff them early on, I think they will be able to overcome these as the season goes on. This lineup will do a lot of the heavy lifting and GM Dave Dombrowski will remain aggressive in the front office to address any holes in the roster. They’ll be in the hunt for the title that has long eluded them.

You can find me on Twitter @YNWA9623 and subscribe to the site by hitting the follow button in the bottom right corner and entering your email address. Also, check out our new Instagram feed @thebroadwaybreakdownsports for special gameday and promotional content. We’ll be back with our preview of the Pirates tomorrow!