The 2023 season had plenty of good moments, but it will be remembered as one with a disappointing finish for the Philadelphia Phillies. Following their unexpected run to the World Series in 2022, Philadelphia had great expectations this year. Anything but another appearance in the Fall Classic would be deemed a failure.
Ultimately, the team fell short of its goal of winning a championship. The Phillies group of infielders had a mix of good and average performances. 2023 featured the debut of the organization's top player, Bryce Harper, in the infield.
Here are the 2023 report cards for five of the Phillies' infielders.
Edmundo Sosa, UTIL INF
The Phillies have received contributions from the defensive versatility of Edmundo Sosa since they acquired him in a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals in July 2022. Philadelphia has used him throughout its infield at every position besides first base and has occasionally deployed him in the outfield.
Edmundo Sosa with his first HR this month. A big 2 run shot to center. 3-1 Phillies
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) August 21, 2023
pic.twitter.com/auwJN4lyQB
Sosa received most of his starts at third base, considering the Phillies' durability issues at first base. In 82 games playing at the corner, he had 11 errors and a .946 fielding percentage. He did not commit any errors during his playing time at shortstop or second base.
The utility infielder had a .251/.293/.427 line in 279 at-bats during the regular season. He appeared minimally in the postseason — twice during the National League Championship Series. He pitch-hit and played shortstop in place of Trea Turner during Philadelphia's dominant Game 2 win. Sosa appeared in Game 4 as a pinch-runner. His struggles at third base may have management considering other alternatives to him in 2024.
Grade: C