3 Phillies players heading into the regular season hot, and 2 who are not

There’s an old saying that if a player is doing well in spring training, it’s a sign of things to come in the regular season, but if a player is struggling, it’s just spring training, and once the season starts, they will be ready.

The truth of the matter is that spring training statistics don’t count. Many players, especially veterans, use spring training games to work on different aspects of their games, like tweaking a batting stance or adding a pitch to their repertoire. In many of these cases, the statistics will inevitably take a hit and look worse.

On the flip side, it’s incredibly exciting when a player comes into spring training and performs at a high level. It creates excitement and confidence that the player will perform at the same high level when the regular season rolls around.

Throughout this year’s spring training, the Phillies have had a number of players who have performed incredibly well, but there are also a few players who just can’t seem to get any positive results.

Let’s look at three Phillies players who are going into the regular season on a high note and two players who hope spring training isn’t a sign of how they'll perform in the regular season.

Phillies who are hot: Ranger Suárez

The 28-year-old Ranger Suárez could very well be the key to the 2024 season for the Phillies. As the third pitcher behind aces Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola, Suárez normally flies well under the radar. But anyone who has watched him pitch, especially in big-game situations, knows he is primed for a major breakout season. His spring training performance has shown that so far.

Throughout spring training, Suárez has arguably been the throwing the best of any pitcher in the entirety of Major League Baseball. In four starts, he has pitched 15 innings, surrendering just five hits, striking out 16 batters, and allowing a grand total of zero runs. He has mowed down the competition and has looked as calm, cool, and collected as ever. His 0.60 WHIP is astonishing and speaks directly to his ability to keep runners off the basepaths.

The Phillies are looking to the lefty to take a major step in his career and be one of the best pitchers in the league. If his spring training performance rolls into the regular season, it will be hard for any team to get something going against the Phillies starters.

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Phillies who are hot: Whit Merrifield

The newest member of the Phillies, Whit Merrifield, is trying to make a good first impression on his new organization and the fans. Well, he’s done a pretty great job of that so far.

Merrifield started his spring with a bang, launching a home run in his first game, and hasn't cooled off since.

In 13 games this spring, the 35-year-old utilityman slashed .405/.405/.738 for an OPS of 1.143. Impressively, he led the team in home runs with two, doubles with six, and RBI with seven. In the field, he played second base, third base, and left field, showing manager Rob Thompson the versatility that will help to provide multiple lineup looks and the ability to find rest for some of the regulars.

Merrifield is a three-time All-Star, so it shouldn’t be a huge surprise to see him perform like this. But being inserted as a utility player can be daunting for a veteran nearing the tail end of his career. He has answered the call so far, and he will be a huge addition to this team if he can roll this success into the regular season.

Thomson elected to start him in left field in the final game of spring training. Could that be a sign that he will be given the Opening Day nod? If so, he has definitely earned that spot. His approach at the plate, his veteran attitude, and his hot bat will be a big boost to this Phillies lineup.

Phillies who are hot: Zack Wheeler

If the aforementioned Ranger Suárez had one of the best springs in baseball, then his rotation mate and staff ace, Zack Wheeler, wasn’t too far behind. The Phillies and Wheeler agreed on a three-year extension that will keep the 33-year-old in Philadelphia for the foreseeable future. If spring training is any sign of what’s to come, the Phillies and their fans will continue to sing Wheeler’s praises.

In his four games that he started this spring, the big right-hander threw 14 1/3 innings allowing just two runs on six hits while striking out 14 batters. He had a 1.26 ERA and a WHIP of 0.628. Coming into this season, Wheeler was seen as one of the best arms in the sport and he has been placed in the upper echelon of starters. For the first time in six years, the Phillies will have someone other than Aaron Nola pitch opening day. There isn’t anyone more deserving than Zack Wheeler.

Wheeler came into spring training not content to rest on his laurels. He had been working on a new pitch and showcased it this spring. Adding the new splitter to his repertoire will give him more of an edge against his opposition. With a new pitch in his arsenal and a terrific spring training under his belt, Wheeler looks to guide this pitching staff to an NL East title.

Phillies who are not: Kyle Schwarber

The left-handed power hitter, Kyle Schwarber, has been around the block once or twice. The veteran has been in the league for nine years and has made the playoffs eight times. He is a player who uses spring training to get himself right and surely doesn’t depend on statistics to get his mindset ready for the regular season.

That being said, Schwarber was not at his best this spring. In 14 games and 44 plate appearances, Schwarber slashed .132/.250/.158 for an OPS of .408. The most concerning part is that he had zero home runs which is much of the power hitter's identity. He drew six walks in those 13 games, which is nice to see, but he also struck out 20 times. If you were to ask him yourself, you can bet he'd wish he had a bit better of a spring at the plate.

Spring training struggles aren't new for Schwarber. Last year, in 29 plate appearances, the big lefty hit just one home run while striking out 12 times. We all know how his season turned out — lots of strikeouts but lots of home runs as well.

Now playing DH almost exclusively, Schwarber can focus solely on hitting in 2024. He is definitely not a player that any coach or fan should be concerned about when the spring training numbers aren’t ideal. He absolutely has the ability to turn the switch and will surely be blasting mammoth home runs again at Citizens Bank Park when the 2024 season kicks off.