Phillies: Projected 2020 Starting Lineup, Nos. 1-3 Spots

Predicting the 2020 Phillies starting lineup, spots 1-3

In what will be a very different and special season across a 60-game schedule, we begin a three-part series that takes a look and analyzes the projected starting lineup and pitching rotation for the Philadelphia Phillies in 2020.

This year’s lineup will surely have a new look, with some new and old faces, as well as the much-needed return of a corner outfielder. Among the additions includes former New York Yankees slugging shortstop Didi Gregorius, joining the team on a one-year deal. Not to mention, for the first time in Phillies history, the team will play 100 percent of its games using the designated hitter.

There is no doubt that the projected 2020 Phillies lineup will be a memorable one. A new manager typically means a new lineup, and with experienced and veteran manager Joe Girardi taking over, there is no doubt that the lineup this year will be significantly different than last year under then-manager Gabe Kapler.

With removals like Cesar Hernandez and Maikel Franco and additions like Gregorius, it’s obvious that the lineup this year will look much different and especially with the aforementioned new manager at the helm of the team. Girardi is known for his unique managing style, and with that style comes unique lineups.

A new season, new manager, new players, and a new lineup.  Let’s take a look at the projected 1-3 spots in the 2020 starting lineup for the Phillies and kick off our three-part series.

2:  J.T. Realmuto

2019 Stats: .275/.328/.493, 25 HR, 83 RBI, 538 ABs

Batting second is All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto. Realmuto being in the No. 2 hole is a different sight. This could be a good fit for Realmuto, batting right after McCutchen. Baseball-Reference has the All-Star is projected to put 29 RBIs up, so if McCutchen can get on base, this should be a no-brainer for the team.

Realmuto is projected to flaunt a .277/.330/.489 slash line this upcoming season, and him batting second could be seen as beneficial for himself and the team.

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Coming off the heels of a season where Realmuto produced pretty decent numbers both offensively and defensively, it’s no wonder that he should continue to produce those numbers even batting second after Andrew McCutchen. It’d be certainly interesting to see what Realmuto can produce batting second, after McCutchen and before superstar Bryce Harper. If McCutchen and Realmuto can get on base to start the game, it’d be all up to Harper and players batting beyond to drive in the runs.

Even in a shortened season, the 29-year old catcher is still projected to put up some pretty big numbers with that .277 batting average and seems to be a pretty good fit batting second.

Realmuto and the Phillies are in the midst of a contract extension negotiation. It was recently reported that the two sides aren’t close to getting a signature on the dotted line, with Realmuto being locked-up with the team long-term. It’d be interesting to see the type of season Realmuto will have with Philadelphia, and whether or not it will have an impact on the contract extension negotiations.

3: Bryce Harper

2019 Stats: .260/.327/.882, 35 HR, 114 RBI, 573 ABs

Superstar Bryce Harper is projected to bat third in the lineup for the Phillies this season, following Andrew McCutchen and J.T. Realmuto.

Batting third is something that Harper is used to, having batted in the third hole the majority of the 2019 season with the Phillies. It should be no different for Harper in 2020, with the only thing he faces that is different is the shortened season, new players in the lineup such as Didi Gregorius, and a new experienced manager in Joe Girardi.

According to Baseball-Reference, Harper drove in McCutchen 11 times last season, and Realmuto five times. While these numbers may seem low, it’d certainly be interesting to see what type of offensive production Harper can produce in this shortened season.

In 682 plate appearances, Harper collected 114 RBI throughout the 2019 season. In 2020, Harper is projected to receive 197 at-bats while batting.260 with 15 home runs and 38 RBIs. The six-time All-Star is also predicted to score 35 runs.

Harper is entering the second year of his 13-year contract with Philadelphia, which he signed before the 2019 season. He previously played with the Washington Nationals for the entirety of his career.

Recently, Harper announced he is expecting a baby girl with his wife, Kayla. He isn’t expected to miss games in the regular season as the baby is not expected until after the season.

Harper has seemed to enjoy his time in Philadelphia thus far, frequently commenting on how much he loves the city, team, and fans. It’s no doubt that Harper will thrive batting in the third hole for the team again this season, and assist in offensive production.