What do the Phillies need to do in 2018 to get a wild card?
Improved starting pitching
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Starting pitching was perhaps the weakest part of the 2017 Phillies. The only starter with an ERA under four was Aaron Nola, who went 12-11 with a 3.54 ERA. He’s quite capable, but not an ace or on a good staff.
Ben Lively showed potential late in the season, but finished 4-7 with a 4.26 ERA. Jerad Eickhoff had an ERA near five, while Nick Pivetta and Zach Eflin had ERA’s above six.
While improvement among the current staff is possible, landing a starting pitcher through a trade or free agency is a must to bolster this weak area of the club.