3 reasons why the Phillies are still in the running, 2 why they are toast
By Eric Cole
Out of it: The Phillies' offense is a mess
While the news on the pitching side of things has been largely good, the Phillies offense has been a different story. The Phillies' position players have accounted for just 7.5 fWAR in 2023 (19th in the league) with a middle of the pack 98 wRC+ on the season. The defense being mediocre overall hasn't helped anything, either.
A big part of this can be attributed to Bryce Harper missing a chunk of the early portion of the season, but there is more to it than that. Trea Turner has been disappointing so far this season, Rhys Hoskins is likely out for the season with a torn ACL, and Kyle Schwarber has been even more of a "home run or bust" hitter than he usually is.
There is still a chance for the offense to turn things around, but this isn't just one guy struggling. Several guys are going to need to get going for the Phillies to stand any chance.
Still in it: The Phillies' roster is filled with guys who have track records of success
While it is easy to look at the standings and get caught up in the lost opportunities the Phillies have had along the way, it is important to remember that this isn't a roster filled with unproven guys. Philadelphia went out and brought in bona fide stars and while things haven't gone their way this season in several cases, the odds are that these players can figure it out if anyone can.
When he is right, JT Realmuto is among the best hitting catchers in all of baseball. Bryce Harper has Hall of Fame talent and eventually his power is going to return and he is going to be a force to be reckoned with again. Trea Turner is coming off back to back 6+ fWAR seasons and while his wRC+ currently sits at 86, hasn't posted a wRC+ lower than 105 since 2015.
Those are just a few examples, but you get the point. While not every guy that is having a down year is going to come out of it, there is just too much talent and experience on this Phillies roster to not think that better days are coming soon.