3 Bold Philadelphia Phillies predictions for the regular season
By Matt Rappa
Some Phillies predictions on Opening Day of the 2023 season
One of baseball fans' favorite days in the calendar year is finally here — Opening Day. Behind Cy Young Award hopeful and pending free-agent Aaron Nola, the Philadelphia Phillies will begin their 162-game regular season journey late Thursday afternoon against the Bruce Bochy-led Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field.
Looking back 365 days ago, the team was in a much different place — still with a 10-plus-year postseason drought lingering over them and doubts about whether Joe Girardi was the right managerial voice to lead the team.
Today, the Phillies are at the opposite end of the spectrum — looking to carry over their momentum from "Red October" and start the season on the right foot.
While fan-favorite first baseman Rhys Hoskins, unfortunately, will not be a factor this season due to suffering a torn ACL in his left knee, there are still several other stars on the club who will bring energy, passion, and power. Among them is shortstop Trea Turner — who reached international headlines from his dominant World Baseball Classic performance and projects to be near the top of several Major League Baseball statistics this season, including hits.
The Phillies will also eventually get back slugger Bryce Harper when he is fully recovered from his offseason Tommy John surgery. Also, do not forget reigning National League home runs leader Kyle Schwarber, the "best catcher in baseball" J.T. Realmuto, starting pitching ace Zack Wheeler, and many others.
As a new season begins, here are three bold Phillies predictions as it relates to the Rob Thomson-led squad.