Predicting the Phillies' Wild Card Series 26-man roster
Infielders (6)
Bryce Harper
Rob Thomson already stated that Harper would be the primary first baseman heading into the postseason. Harper's ability to play first has allowed Kyle Schwarber to be the permanent designated hitter and get him out of the outfield. Harper has already made himself a living legend in Philadelphia and he will look to continue that in the 2023 playoffs. Expect Harper to hit in the three or four spot each game. It would not come as much of a surprise if he came up in a clutch situation or two.
Bryson Stott
Stott has had a very good 2023 regular season. He moved to play second base permanently after the Phillies acquired Trea Turner in the offseason and he has transitioned seamlessly. Stott played excellent defense and raised his OPS by almost .100 points. His second year in the Big Leagues has been a success and the Phillies will rely on some of their younger players such as Stott to make important contributions this postseason.
Trea Turner
Turner's season has been one that has been spotlighted for the last two months. It was no secret that he had a rough start to the season, but he certainly turned his season around in August. Turner also has some significant postseason experience as he has played 43 postseason games heading into the 2023 playoffs. His career playoff numbers are not great as he has posted just a .614 OPS. Turner will certainly look to stay hot at the plate and help improve his postseason stats and help the Phillies make another deep run into October.
Alec Bohm
Much like Stott, Bohm has had a nice 2023 season. He hit the most home runs of his career and drove in a career high 96 runs. While Bohm still has some flaws, he has been another player who improved pretty drastically from 2022— both offensively and defensively. As another right-handed bat, Bohm will be important to help the Phillies put up runs on the Marlins starting pitching.
Edmundo Sosa
Sosa had some big plays and big at-bats in the 2022 postseason. He will mainly be used as a right-handed bench bat and defensive replacement, however, his importance to the roster cannot be understated. In the postseason each roster spot holds a crucial role. Even though he may not get as many at-bats as some of the previously listed infielders, the spots he will be called upon in will be important.
Weston Wilson
Wilson is one of the fringe players who could certainly make the Wild Card roster. He can play both the infield and outfield, so his versatility speaks for itself. He is also a right-handed bat that can hit for power and run with speed. He could be a key bench player to face some of the Marlins' tough left-handed pitchers.