3 Bold Philadelphia Phillies predictions for the regular season

1. Phillies reliever Seranthony Domínguez will be named a first-time All-Star.

Time has flown in that right-handed reliever Seranthony Domínguez is one of the longest-tenured Phillies players, having made his big-league debut in early May 2018.

The 28-year-old Dominican Republic native has had his fair share of ups and downs since then — particularly being sidelined from appearing in a Major League game from June 2019, all the way to the 2021 season finale.

But Domínguez bounced back last season and showed signs of dominance that quickly became evident during his rookie season under then-first-year manager Gabe Kapler. Making 54 appearances in the 2022 campaign, the right-hander went 6-5 with an even 3.00 ERA, 1.137 WHIP, and 61-22 strikeouts-to-walks ratio spanning 51 innings. Domínguez successfully recorded saves in nine of his 11 opportunities, as well as finished 16 games overall.

Domínguez was even more impressive in the 2022 postseason, allowing just seven hits, two runs, and one walk spanning nine appearances, 10 2/3 innings, and 40 batters faced. He impressively struck out 18 batters, including three in as many innings during the World Series — Major League Baseball's biggest stage.

Domínguez made a name for himself in the postseason and should only build on that reputation this coming season, barring any injuries. If Domínguez has similar success in his first full year under manager Rob Thomson, he should undoubtedly be in contention to make the National League All-Star team for the first time in his career.

Back in February, the Phillies and Domínguez avoided arbitration by agreeing to a two-year contract with a club option for 2025. Both sides are invested in each other for the long haul.