4 controversial postseason roster moves the Phillies should make in 2024 (but won't)
What daring moves should the Phillies make this postseason that could make or break their chances to capture the World Series title?
During the past couple of MLB playoffs, the Philadelphia Phillies made various roster moves with hopes that they would pay off in helping them to succeed. However, in the end, they fell short both in 2022 and 2023 in their quest to capture the World Series title.
Now entering their third consecutive postseason, perhaps manager Rob Thomson and his staff should try something out of the ordinary just to see if an unexpected strategy can put them over the top in this year's playoffs. As a result, let’s take a look at some controversial postseason roster moves that the Phillies should make in 2024 which could turn out to be the difference they had been looking for.
4 controversial postseason roster moves the Phillies should make in 2024 (but won't)
Bat superstar Bryce Harper in the leadoff spot
One of the most intriguing roster strategies that the Phillies can implement heading into the playoffs is inserting star first baseman Bryce Harper into the leadoff position in the lineup. When you have one of the best hitters in the league, you want the opposition to face your star player as many times as possible to maximize damage. After all, that's exactly how phenom Shohei Ohtani is deployed by the Los Angeles Dodgers, as he is the perfect example of how it should be done just looking at the results.
Moreover, Harper ranked in the top 10 in the league in on-base percentage and OPS and just outside the top 10 for walks this year. Added to the fact that he averaged double-digits in stolen bases for his career, he would be the ideal leadoff hitter plus the bonus power with his bat. In addition, his .373 OBP in 2024 even put him ahead of teammate Kyle Schwarber, who has been the Phillies leadoff hitter all season. As a result, the high-risk, high-reward move could end up paying huge dividends for Philadelphia if they choose to pursue it.
Utilize a three-man rotation
Teams have generally avoided utilizing a three-man rotation during the MLB Playoffs, in particular during this side of the century. After all, starting pitchers could begin to wear down as the postseason progresses due to overworking, especially when a series ends up lasting longer than expected. Also, it is more likely that a manager would rather go with an effective arm on regular rest than an elite pitcher who could struggle a bit on short rest.
However, despite such drawbacks, the Phillies might want to think twice about this potential option for the 2024 postseason. That is because Philadelphia has had only three pitchers who have been reliable and consistent all season: Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola and Cristopher Sánchez. Taijuan Walker had been a total disaster all year, injuries and all. Whereas for Ranger Suárez is far from the dominant form he displayed in the first half, as he hasn’t been the same since coming back from the IL.
Added to the fact that for all the makeshift rotation starters the Phillies tried in 2024, including the likes of Tyler Phillips, Kolby Allard, Michael Mercado and Seth Johnson, not a single candidate stood out to be a playoff option that should even be considered. As a result, they may have no choice but to go with their best three for success in this year’s MLB Playoffs.
Put Kyle Schwarber back in left field to maximize offensive lineup
There was a big reason why Kyle Schwarber was taken from his usual left-field position last year and moved predominantly into the designated hitter’s role ever since. That was primarily because his defense was approaching worrying levels such that the Phillies felt it could eventually work against them in the long run.
Having strong defense is good in preventing runs, but if it is offset by a significant lack of production at the plate, sometimes it may not be as valuable as it seems with the trade-off. Brandon Marsh and Austin Hays have done a decent job manning left field when healthy, but their offensive numbers still leave a lot to be desired. With a grand total of just 73 runs scored, 17 home runs and 65 RBI registered collectively, Phillies left fielders ranked either second-last or third-last among the nine positions on the team in 2024.
By putting Schwarber and his 38 home runs and 104 RBI into the slot, it instantly upgrades the position substantially, at least from an offensive standpoint. In the five rare games in which he has played this year in left field, he batted a stellar .471 with a 1.336 OPS, four runs scored, two doubles, one home run and four RBI. A small sample size, but Schwarber sure showed what he was capable of. By putting him back in left field, it also opens up the DH slot that could be used to rotate in regular starters for rest to keep them fresh and be at their absolute best.
Don't rely on Carlos Estévez as the primary closer
For the most part, the Phillies have been going with Carlos Estévez as their main closer since the trade deadline. After all, he has been most effective in the role throughout the 2024 season, posting a solid 2.45 ERA with 26 saves overall on the year. But with the Phillies also having other elite arms in the bullpen this season in Matt Strahm, Orion Kerkering and Jeff Hoffman, perhaps they should try a closer-by-committee approach for the MLB Playoffs.
It would enable the Phillies to optimize the matchups late in games. For instance, if a boatload of lefties were due up in the final inning, it might be more effective to put in a Strahm. Or in the case when a game could potentially be decided in a high-leverage situation in earlier innings, Estévez could be brought in at that time to shut the door then when they need it most, rather than saving him for the final inning.
By adding that flexibility to the bullpen usage, not only can it maximize their effectiveness, but it can also keep the opposition guessing who they would be facing, giving the Phillies an advantage.
But of course, despite all of these dream proposals, the Phillies likely won’t want to mess with a good thing that they have had going all year. After all, they wouldn’t have posted a strong 95-67 record without their current setup. As a result, there's good chance that manager Rob Thomson will just go with the usual. However, if things don’t end up working out, these moves could suddenly become something worth taking a look at.
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