The Phillies will clinch the NL East title by mid-September and finish with a double-digit division lead
With the dominating way the Phillies have been playing, it wouldn’t be too surprising for them to capture their first NL East title since 2011. With their NL East rivals struggling with their play and injury woes this season, the Phillies could clinch the division title with weeks to spare.
With the Phillies out of reach of most of their division foes, their closest rivals remain the Atlanta Braves. After all, the Braves have been the division winners for the past six seasons and were the offensive juggernaut of the National League last season.
However, they have lost two key players this year in star outfielder and reigning NL MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. and 20-game winner Spencer Strider. Consequently, they no longer rank in the top 10 in the league for the bulk of the offensive categories but have managed to stay afloat courtesy of some strong pitching that helped make up for Strider's loss. Nevertheless, they have struggled in a way unlike any of their previous seasons and have even tried about everything to maintain pace with the Phillies.
With the Phillies due to get some reinforcements back soon, led by Zack Wheeler and Realmuto, along with the likelihood of the team adding some key pieces at the trade deadline, it means the rich will get richer down the stretch. Finishing with a lead larger than 10 games isn't out of the question to cap off what has been a magical and memorable season for the Phillies.