Philadelphia Phillies 2023 Season Position Breakdown: Second Base
The Phillies look to Bryson Stott to play second base regularly, but they have solid depth behind him, too.
The offseason addition of Trea Turner has put the Philadelphia Phillies in a good place, as the signing allows Bryson Stott to move to second base full-time. The Phillies also have plenty of infield depth in case Stott needs a day to rest.
Stott's rookie numbers are less than appealing at first glance. In 2022, he slashed just .234/.295/.358 with 10 home runs and 49 RBI. It is important to note, however, that Stott started the season struggling to find regular playing time, and that was reflected in his numbers at the plate. In April and May, Stott hit below .200 while recording just 78 plate appearances . That changed in June when Rob Thomson replaced Joe Girardi as manager.
Bryson Stott puts the @Phillies on the board! pic.twitter.com/crPteIDpme
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) October 14, 2022
Stott began to come into his own during the summer months — seeing more pitches and racking up more at-bats. He closed out the season by hitting .287 in August and .271 in September and the first few days of October. While Stott's postseason numbers were unimpressive, he had a few key hits that helped the Phillies make the World Series for the first time since 2009.
Behind Stott, the Phillies have the versatile Edmundo Sosa and the newly acquired Josh Harrison. Both can field multiple positions, but second base is one they have played before. Sosa was acquired by the Phillies last season from the St. Louis Cardinals and his defense proved to be invaluable. He could play above-average defense at second base, third base, and shortstop. Sosa was no slouch at the plate, either, as he hit .315 in 59 plate appearances with the Phillies.
Harrison has spent most of his career playing second and third base. He is a career .272 hitter and can field multiple positions. He should see time at second base, third base, and left field to give some of the regulars rest. He is also a valuable bat off the bench.
Given Stott's progress in his short time in the majors — and the options the Phillies have behind him on the depth chart — the club is in good shape on the right side of the diamond. Whoever plays second base should pair well with Turner in the middle infield.