Rinse and repeat. That’s how the Philadelphia Phillies’ seasons have felt, particularly over the last two years.
The Phillies are back-to-back NL East champions. Although it’s an impressive feat and something the organization hasn’t done since it won five consecutive division titles from 2007 to 2011, Phillies fans have their eyes set on a much larger accomplishment.
The Phillies were founded in 1883 but have just two World Series championships. The last time they won a World Series was in 2008, and the last time they played in one was in 2022, when they lost in six games to the Houston Astros.
Phillies fans want more than just another NL East title in 2026
Will Leitch of MLB.com ranked each 2025 MLB division winner’s chances to repeat in 2026 and gave the Phillies the third-best odds to do so behind the Seattle Mariners and the reigning World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers. As nice as a third consecutive NL East title sounds, anything less than a World Series will be a disappointment for the Phillies.
The Phillies’ rise to MLB supremacy started back in 2019. They orchestrated a franchise-altering offseason by completing a blockbuster trade for J.T. Realmuto and then signing Bryce Harper to a 13-year contract.
The following offseason, the Phillies signed Zack Wheeler and then went all in before the 2022 season by signing both Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos. The 2022 Phillies team made an improbable and magical run to the World Series but ultimately fell short against the Astros.
Expectations were higher than ever for the Phillies heading into 2023, especially after adding Trea Turner to the mix on an 11-year contract. Fast forward to 2026, and the Phillies’ “superteam” has yet to win a World Series together.
It’s not easy to win a World Series, or any championship for that matter, but the Phillies’ window to finish the job may be closing with this group. The players are aging, and some of their futures are uncertain.
The Phillies have made a few moves this offseason, but fans can’t help but feel underwhelmed after missing out on star free agent Bo Bichette. Although some familiar faces may be gone, the Phillies are set to run it back in 2026 with mostly the same group that has fallen short of the ultimate goal for four years now.
The Phillies have the roster and coaching staff to make a deep playoff run. They’re one of the best teams in baseball, but they need a World Series to show for it.