Batting eighth in the dream 2024 Phillies lineup, Bryson Stott at 2B
The key role of the eighth and ninth hitters in the batting order for the Phillies will be to help set up the powerhouse hitters at the top of the lineup. As a result, Bryson Stott fits the bill in the eighth spot in the starting lineup.
Not only does he have the ability to cash in runners left on base from the upper part of the batting order, with his .280 batting average and 62 RBI in 2023, he also went 31-for-34 in stolen bases. As a result, once he gets on base, he can make things happen and set the table for the top part of the order.
Stott also made great strides in his defensive work in 2023. He had 6 DRS along with an impressive .992 fielding percentage in 602 chances, becoming a Gold Glove Award finalist. His overall development has been so substantial that even Harper endorsed him recently this postseason saying that he was the best second baseman in the league.
He was also named one of MLB's top breakout players this past season. So if the Phillies indeed have “the best second baseman” in all of baseball batting eighth, it just speaks volumes of what this potent 2024 Phillies’ lineup could potentially bring.
Batting ninth in the dream 2024 Phillies lineup, Brandon Marsh in LF
Finally, rounding out the starting lineup is none other than the usually reliable and fan favorite Brandon Marsh. Having mainly played in center field for the Phillies the past two seasons, Marsh will move to left field to accommodate the new additions of Bellinger and Soler in 2024.
That shouldn’t present a problem, as Marsh has had experience playing in left field. As a matter of fact, defensively, it has been his strongest position as he has posted 9 DRS in just 106 games and 166 chances in his career.
On the offensive side of things, Marsh put up a career-best .372 on-base percentage this past season, along with career highs in runs scored (58), doubles (25), triples (6), home runs (12), RBI (60), and walks (59). Having a player that gets on base quite readily hitting in the ninth spot could do wonders for the ballclub when the lineup turns over for Ohtani and company at the top of the order.
NEXT: Final thoughts on the dream 2024 Phillies lineup.