Learning from Trea Turner, Phillies second baseman Bryson Stott could earn a surprise All-Star nod in his sophomore season.
Bryson Stott had a tale of two halves during his 2022 rookie season. Under Joe Girardi — in which the Phillies went a disappointing 22-29 to start the season — the Las Vegas native slashed a disappointing .143/.195/.169 with just two extra-base hits, five walks, and 26 strikeouts across 82 plate appearances. Under interim manager Rob Thomson, however, Stott slashed an improved .254/.316/.400 with 29 extra-base hits, 31 walks, and 63 strikeouts spanning 384 plate appearances.
A recent Philadelphia Inquirer article explored how new Phillies shortstop Trea Turner has already built a rapport with fellow middle-infielder Stott, who moves over to second base following the departure of Jean Segura. Turner's presence alone can elevate Stott's game — and arguably vice-versa. Phillies broadcaster Tom McCarthy recently told MLB Network that the duo is trying to "get as much work in now as possible."
Trea Turner, Bryson Stott, Scott Kingery arrive for first full squad work out for Phillies at #SpringTraining2023 ⚾️☀️ pic.twitter.com/cChaw0o17k
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) February 21, 2023
The bar is not necessarily high for Stott to become a first-time All-Star in 2023. At last season's Midsummer Classic, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Jeff McNeil, and Jake Cronenworth were the sole second basemen named National League All-Stars. The cover athlete for MLB The Show 23, Chisholm Jr. slashed just .254/.325/.535 with the Miami Marlins in 2022. Meanwhile, McNeil slashed an impressive .326/.382/.454, but he slugged only nine home runs and 62 RBI. Stott hit 10 home runs and 49 RBI, but his numbers should only improve now that a full season is under his belt. Meanwhile, Cronenworth slashed just .239/.332/.390 last season, although he did have 88 RBI across 158 games.
Stott can be a first-time All-Star in 2023, as long as he carries over momentum and avoids the infamous "sophomore slump." Stott does not have to be an All-Star starter alongside Turner, but even making the team as a reserve would be a remarkable accomplishment at this early stage of his career.