The Philadelphia Phillies limped out of the start gate and have been playing catchup ever since. The Opening Day beating they took against the Texas Rangers put an early sour taste in our mouths they’re still trying to shake. Among all of the Phillies predictions anyone would have made, that wasn’t something too many had in mind to begin the year.
The Phillies are still trying to figure out exactly who they are. Preseason predictions for most fans probably had Kyle Schwarber leading the league in home runs again or even a monster campaign out of Trea Turner. Both could end up accurate.
It’s these other three predictions we all wish we had made. Sticking with the positive because everyone knows this team could use some, imagine how smart we’d all feel if anyone made these predictions for 2023.
1) Phillies prediction we wish we made: Alec Bohm and Bryson Stott All-Star bids
In the absence of Bryce Harper and Rhys Hoskins, the Phillies have gotten a ton of production from Alec Bohm and Bryson Stott. It wasn’t a ridiculous thought to believe either would have a breakout campaign in 2023. For them to hit this amazingly well, however, comes as a pleasant surprise.
Bohm’s monster start has helped the team overcome losing Hoskins for the year. Bohm’s horrendous defense at third base may be something we see much less frequently with the need for a first baseman and a natural change for him. His time with the Phillies has been difficult to predict. There are times when he has looked like a future All-Star. During other stretches, he’s a part-time major leaguer. Early success in 2023 should already put him in the conversation for a future All-Star bid although there is plenty of competition at first base and enough talent at third base to take a spot from him as well.
Stott’s early season success should also have fans grinning from ear to ear. His rookie year in 2022 was good but also showed holes in his game. That’s not the case for him this year. Stott has been batting leadoff for them regularly. When things get situated with Harper back in the lineup, it might be something to continue. Trea Turner can be effective batting second.
If you predicted either of these players would have early numbers trending toward an All-Star bid this season, good for you. Also, buy a lottery ticket.