Phillies: Late-spring 2021 Opening Day roster projection
Much has been written about the changing landscape that is the projected 2021 Philadelphia Phillies roster. As the young talent continues to emerge and veterans are added to the potential season-opening lineup, the competition for playing time or even a roster spot is at a “fever pitch” as spring training comes to a close next week.
The deadline for defining what the 26-man roster is right around the corner, with Opening Day beginning with a full slate of games on the first of April.
There are plenty of interesting options for Joe Girardi to consider before said date, but here is the most likely scenario after cuts and demotions come in a few days.
Projecting the 2021 Philadelphia Phillies Opening Day roster
Pitchers (13 total, 5 rotation, 8 relief)
Rotation
- Aaron Nola
- Zach Wheeler
- Zach Eflin
- Matt Moore
- Chase Anderson
The top-two arms are set in stone, as Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler both project ace-like numbers at their best. Eflin could be the third ace if he comes back from whatever back issue, he is dealing with in the same form he began his spring training in. The bottom two rotation spots are somewhat still up for grabs, although Chase Anderson has performed well enough to earn a spot as at least the fifth starter this year.
Signing both Anderson and Matt Moore is an indicator that the Phillies didn’t have a ton of faith in the development of Spencer Howard, and this theory proves correct. Vince Velasquez seems to be destined for the bullpen Howard will likely begin the year in Triple-A, and hopefully build some momentum as the year progresses. Ideally one of the veteran signings becomes a trade piece and Howard takes hold of a rotations spot. One name to keep in mind: Enyel De Los Santos, who has performed very well in spot innings this spring.
Projecting the 2021 Phillies bullpen
Bullpen
- CL: Archie Bradley
- SU: Hector Neris
- SU: Jose Alvarado
- MR: Brandon Kintzler
- MR: Connor Brogdon
- MR: Sam Coonrod
- MR: JoJo Romero
- LR: Vince Velasquez
Archie Bradley was brought to Philly for a reason, which is to anchor the bullpen and be that reliable arm in the ninth when the game remains close. Jose Alvarado has looked nasty, and he’ll be a bargain if he can harness a breaking ball anywhere near the strike zone; a 100 miles per hour sinker with depth isn’t something you see very often.
Brandon Kintzler was another great find. He’ll eat up plenty of the middle innings, going two at a time if needed. Hector Neris is the only other sure thing in this bullpen, as the Phillies seem to have found themselves in a great position in terms of finding relief pitching and will have plenty of tough decisions to make. JoJo Romero has an advantage as an in-house lefty option, and he’s had success this spring. Connor Brogdon is another home-grown arm that the Phillies hope can build off of his 2020 rookie campaign.
The Phillies have taken a serious look at a multitude of guys to round out that bullpen, both veterans and younger arms, so those last couple bullpen spots are up for grabs. Hopefully, there will be some clarity, as I’m sure Girardi will want to start building some sort of idea for roles this season.
Position Players (13 total)
Infielders (4)
- 1B: Rhys Hoskins
- 2B: Jean Segura
- SS: Didi Gregorius
- 3B: Alec Bohm
The starting infield should remain essentially the same, especially given the contract handed to Didi Gregorius this offseason. Rhys Hoskins needs to improve at the dish, but the real x-factor here is Alec Bohm. He’s drawing comparisons to Juan Soto in terms of putting the Phillies over the edge and into the postseason.
Alec Bohm could help get the Phillies back to the postseason.
Alec Bohm‘s pitch recognition, approach, and power are all insane for such a young player, and there’s no reason not to expect something in the range of 25 homers and 90 RBI this season.
Nick Maton has impressed, as has Darick Hall, but both should probably err on the side of getting consistent at-bats until they can really compete for a starting job.
One name you won’t find here is Scott Kingery, who seems to have been removed from the infield plans. Top prospect Bryson Stott looked comfortable at the plate, but the results just weren’t there to justify putting him in the big-league conversation. So, for now, the 2021 infield resembles the 2020 infield, but it seems as though the Phillies are beginning to develop depth at each position.
Utility (2)
- U1: Brad Miller
- U2: Ronald Torreyes
Brad Miller is one of my favorite guys to watch. Old-school style of play — with “boom” in the bat and the ability to play nearly every position — keeps Miller around in the big leagues, and I think he could get 50-60 starts as the number one bench option for Girardi. He’s looked good in the spring, and I think his all-around ability will come to real fruition in the postseason if the Phils can get there.
Ronald Torreyes is a serviceable bench player, more for his glove and arm than his bat. He’s not going to hit the ball out of the ballpark, but he puts the ball in play and won’t make the rookie mistakes you might see out of Maton or Stott.
Projecting the 2021 Phillies outfielders and catchers
Outfielders (5)
- LF: Andrew McCutchen
- CF: Roman Quinn
- RF: Bryce Harper
- 4OF: Scott Kingery
- 5OF: Matt Joyce
Andrew McCutchen and Bryce Harper were locks heading into spring training, and you’re looking for an All-Star season out of Harper in his third year with the Phillies. If not now, then when? Harper is in his prime now, and despite two solid campaigns, you want to see that 40+ homer, 110 RBI kind of year, where he’s not striking out at a high rate, and making hard outs.
That third spot is what will plague the Phillies until they can find some consistency at the position. Scott Kingery was supposed to be that guy, but it’s not looking that way so far. Roman Quinn, much like Kingery, was hyped as a prospect but has yet to put together a full campaign. Maybe 2021 is that year.
Adam Haseley is dealing with a groin issue and may not be ready for Opening Day, so now is Quinn’s time to prove he is the future as the captain of the outfield going forward. If not, Dave Dombrowski is here for a reason and will be active at the deadline.
I love Matt Joyce as the Jay Bruce of 2021. Plays a solid outfield, can hit for power, excellent clubhouse presence. He also provides a steady hand in pressure pinch-hitting situations.
Catchers (2)
- C1: J.T. Realmuto
- C2: Andrew Knapp
There was never any real question that J.T. Realmuto wasn’t going to end up back in a Phillies uniform, and he’ll step in once again to produce as one of the premier backstops in the league, if not being the top dog at his position.
Realmuto should benefit health-wise from the shortened season, which generally speaking increases offensive production for the most demanding position in the game. Backing him up will be Andrew Knapp. None of the catching options the Phillies brought in as competition for Knapp played particularly well, and Knapp is a favorite of Zach Eflin‘s, likely handing Knapp the typical start every fifth game.
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