4. Joe Girardi will get his 2023 option picked up
So much of what’s gone wrong with the Phillies over the last two years isn’t Joe Girardi’s fault. Many of the Phillies’ problems predate Girardi, and there’s a lot beyond his control; after all, he can only do his best with the players he’s given by the front office.
But with a revamped coaching staff, new bullpen arms in Kent Emanuel and Corey Knebel, and hopefully, many more signings after the lockout ends, the Phillies could have a chance to surprise everyone in 2022. If Girardi leads them to another winning season – 2021 was their first since 2011 – the Phillies might see fit to pick up his option for 2023.
Of course, Dave Dombrowski might just be running out the clock on Girardi’s contract so that he can hire a manager of his choosing after next season.