This season, the Philadelphia Phillies have had some key contributions from unexpected sources that have helped pave the way for the team’s success. The Phillies are looking like they've snapped out of their midseason slump and are playing good baseball again as the season heads into the final stretch.
Even though the season is far from over, with players and fans hoping for a lengthy postseason run, we can always start looking ahead to 2025.
Some of the Phillies players who have helped the team play to the best record in baseball for much of the season may have given themselves a huge opportunity for a larger role heading into next year. At the same time, there have been a select few who have underperformed for much of the year, casting some doubt on whether they can maintain a viable role on the club next season.
Let's take a closer look at three Phillies players who could potentially see an expanded role in 2025, along with one candidate who should see less playing time.
3 Phillies players who could see a larger role in 2025
Edmundo Sosa
As the Phillies were hit with injuries during the course of the 2024 season, one of the key players who raised his game to another level was utility infielder Edmundo Sosa. When star shortstop Trea Turner went down with a hamstring strain in early May, Sosa promptly stepped in and performed admirably in his absence.
Over 33 games, Sosa slashed an impressive .282/.342/.509 with 22 runs scored, five doubles, four triples, four home runs, 17 RBI and three stolen bases. With numbers like that, he certainly did his part in making up for the loss of Turner. By adding in his stellar defense as well, it allowed the Phillies to continue their dominance without missing a beat.
Edmundo took a quick trip to Ashburn Alley@STIHLUSA x #RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/m2SdvxcjNg
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) June 1, 2024
Sosa’s playing time has since been reduced, obviously, with the return of Turner to his usual shortstop position. In 26 games in the second half, Sosa has only put up a .238 average and a .665 OPS with nine runs scored, two home runs, eight RBI in 68 plate appearances.
But if there was one thing that we have learned, it's that Sosa can perform at an elite level at the plate when given consistent playing time. Therefore, to maximize his value, the Phillies should seriously consider giving him a bigger role in 2025, even if that means trying him out in a new position.