What is the ideal starting lineup for the Phillies in the NL Wild Card Series?

The 2023 Phillies have gone through a number of lineup variations. We’ve had the high profile, free agent pick up, Trea Turner drop from the two spot all the way to eighth, just to find his way back to the top of the lineup. Nick Castellanos spent the majority of the year batting third or fourth but has recently settled into the seventh spot. And maybe the biggest and most important change was moving Kyle Schwarber back to the leadoff spot after starting the year jumping around the two, three and five hole. All in all, the Phillies have had 109 different batting orders according to baseball-reference.

So, what is the optimal lineup for the Phillies for the NL Wild Card Series?

First, let’s start out settling a major defensive alignment conundrum that will directly affect the lineup. Rob Thomson has announced that Bryce Harper will play first base during the playoffs, which opens up the DH spot.

Knowing Harper will occupy first base, it’s time to layout the best lineup that will give the Phillies the best chance of moving on to the NLDS.