The Phillies should extend Bryson Stott before Bryce Harper
Like Alec Bohm, Bryson Stott is another young player who should be considered for a contract extension in the not-so-distant future. Two years into his MLB career, it's already obvious that Stott is the best second baseman the Phillies have had since Chase Utley patrolled the infield dirt. Can Stott get even better? Tune in for year three.
Last season saw Stott improve in every statistical category over his first full year in the big leagues. Stott hit .280 with 15 home runs, 62 RBI, 164 hits, and 31 stolen bases in 585 at-bats. Stott's emergence as a more complete hitter has caused some Phillies fans to ponder whether he might be the long-term answer as a lead-off hitter in 2024 and beyond. Last season was eye-opening. What should we expect this year?
It's hard not to expect more of the same from the 26-year-old. His ability to steal bases was on full display last season, and maybe that part of his game was unexpected, but Stott more than adapted to new rules like the pitch clock and the limited times a pitcher can attempt a pick-off. If the Phillies try new things with the line-up in 2024, expect Stott to get a look in the lead-off spot.
Stott is exactly the type of young position player the Phillies should build around. With J.T. Realmuto and Kyle Schwarber set to become free agents after the 2025 season and Castellanos after 2026, Stott could help anchor a new veteran core along with Bryce Harper and Trea Turner when roster turnover becomes a reality.
Arbitration-eligible for the first time in 2025, Stott has the advantage of not having any real competition forcing a future roster crunch at second base currently in the Phillies system. It's a good bet the Phillies will try to make this happen in the not-so-distant future.