3 Phillies players who could see a larger role in 2025, and 1 who should not
With some pleasant surprises for the Phillies this season, who is most deserving of a bigger role with the club next year?
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.
Rafael Marchán
When starting catcher J.T. Realmuto was sidelined due to an injury and surgery on his right knee back in June, Rafael Marchán was summoned from the Phillies’ Triple-A affiliate Lehigh Valley to take his spot on the roster. At the time, it was expected that Marchán would work in tandem with Garrett Stubbs as the backup catcher until Realmuto’s return from the IL.
However, Marchán made the most of his opportunity by putting on a show during his short stint with the club. In just 17 games, he impressed by putting up stellar numbers across the board, posting a .294 batting average and an .894 OPS, along with eight runs scored, four doubles, three home runs and six RBI over 51 at-bats. Just for comparison, Stubbs managed only a .196 average and a .518 OPS, with just four runs scored, one double, one home run and three RBI in 17 games over that same stretch.
Despite Marchán’s strong showing, he was sent down back to the minors upon the reinstatement of Realmuto from the injured list. But it wasn’t because Marchan didn’t perform well enough. It was because the Phillies wanted to be sure he was playing every day to further his growth and development. That way, his additional grooming could lead to him potentially becoming their backup catcher in 2025. By that time, look for Marchán to play a bigger role, as Realmuto’s workload will likely be reduced in the coming years.
Weston Wilson
One of the more pleasant surprises this season has been the emergence of Weston Wilson as a viable option on the Phillies' roster. Last season, Wilson already gave a taste of what he could do when he homered in his first career MLB at-bat against MacKenzie Gore of the Washington Nationals. He ended up seeing action in eight games with the big league club and finished with a solid .313 average and 1.000 OPS.
This season, Wilson was called up for good when the Phillies decided to move on from the failed Whit Merrifield experiment. The Phillies expected Wilson to at least provide some value with his bat as a reserve player, along with added flexibility with his ability to play multiple positions in the infield and outfield.
So far, Wilson has not only done that but has also performed beyond expectations. In his limited playing time, he has compiled a strong .313 batting average and .893 OPS with 11 runs scored, four doubles, one triple, three home runs, eight RBI and two stolen bases in 67 at-bats over 31 games while taking reps at five different positions. In case that wasn’t enough, Wilson hit for the cycle on Aug. 15, becoming the ninth player ever to do so for the franchise.
Every hit from Weston Wilson's cycle 😤 pic.twitter.com/jLsVY8eetq
— MLB (@MLB) August 16, 2024
With the Phillies’ ongoing outfield situation still in flux, with just Nick Castellanos in a secure spot, Wilson could also see an increased role with the Phillies in 2025 as part of their outfield picture. Given that deadline acquisition Austin Hays hasn’t impressed as of yet, along with the offensive limitations of Johan Rojas and the inconsistency of Brandon Marsh’s play, Wilson should definitely be in the mix for 2025 with his combined solid offensive and defensive potential.
1 Phillies player who should not see a larger role in 2025
Taijuan Walker
Despite coming off a season in which he led the Phillies with 15 wins, starter Taijuan Walker was looking forward for redemption in 2024 after he was left out of the starting rotation during last year’s playoffs. Walker wanted to prove to everyone that he can be a reliable, competent MLB pitcher who can be trusted in the biggest games.
However, it has certainly turned into a season worth forgetting for the 32-year-old right-hander. In a year in which he had been plagued by injuries, inconsistency and ineffectiveness, it has ultimately led to the worst numbers of his 12-year MLB career. In 14 starts, Walker has posted a 3-6 record with a gaudy 6.50 ERA and 1.64 WHIP, giving up a whopping 18 home runs with 29 walks and 53 strikeouts in just 70 2/3 innings.
After he was recently relegated to the bullpen, things haven’t gotten any better. He has given up five runs (four earned) on seven hits with two walks and two strikeouts over four innings of work for a 7.20 ERA and 1.80 WHIP in relief.
OTTO-matic 💥💥#MarlinsBeisbol pic.twitter.com/XtKxr1YrNQ
— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) September 7, 2024
The Phillies hoped that by taking Walker out of the starting spotlight, he could eventually work out his issues in a lower leverage situation in the bullpen, as well as continuing with an effective throwing program in the offseason.
However, if Walker can't find ways to improve his command and velocity between now and the start of 2025, not only will he not see a larger role next season, but he might end up with a reduced role or perhaps even left without a role if things get worse.
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