The Philadelphia Phillies enter the 2026 season with the mentality to “run it back” with the veteran core group of players we’ve seen over the past few seasons. After a 96-win 2025 campaign ended in a disappointing NLDS exit, the front office is betting on this internal group bouncing back, while bringing in a few tactical additions in hopes it will finally push this group over the top. The most notable acquisition was the signing of Adolis Garcia, to play right field and give the Phillies some more right-handed “pop” in the lineup. The big internal move is that top prospect Justin Crawford (son of former MLB player Carl Crawford) has officially locked up the center field job and will bring elite speed and defense which should help transform the Phillies’ run prevention.
Lineup
The “Big Four” of Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber, and J.T. Realmuto (the last two fresh off new contract extensions) remain the engine of the offense. Harper, the face of the franchise, is now a seasoned veteran at 1B and with a healthy offseason behind him, is looking to return to 30+ home run form. Schwarber, after re-signing on a massive extension, brings back to Philadelphia an elite walk rate and 45-home run power. Turner is the catalyst at the top of the lineup, whose defense improved significantly in 2025, and he remains one of the most dangerous base-stealing threats in the National League. Realmuto, enter his age 35 season, is expected to drop in the batting order as the Phillies look to give players like Alec Bohm, Brandon Marsh, and Garcia more opportunities to drive in runs. Crawford is a future leadoff hitter, but will likely bat 9th which would allow the Phillies to turn over the lineup from the bottom of the order. Bryson Stott return to play 2B and is one of the best defensive infielders in the game.
Rotation
The biggest storyline of the spring has been the health of the rotation. With ace Zack Wheeler starting the season on the IL following shoulder surgery, the Phillies are leaning on a mix of veterans and a highly anticipated debut. With Wheeler out, Cristopher Sanchez has been named the opening day starter and is coming off a monstrous 2025 season in which he went 13-5 with a 2.50 ERA and finished second in the NL Cy Young voting. Aaron Nola will slide into the #2 spot to start the year as fans hope he will bounce back from a rocky 2025 season (5-10 record). Jesus Luzardo and Taijuan Walker (two veteran pitchers) will be tasked with stabilizing the middle of the rotation. When Wheeler returns, he will likely take Walker’s spot so Walker can move back to the bullpen. After missing years due to Tommy John surgery, Andrew Painter has officially made the Opening Day roster and will debut in the #5 spot as the Phillies hope we can live up to his “generational prospect” billing.
Bullpen
Following the 2025 blockbuster trade for Jhoan Duran, the Phillies relief corps have been fully transformed into one of the best in baseball. Duran (known for his “splinker”) solidified the backend of the bullpen last season after coming over from Minnesota last July and Phillies hope that a full season with him closing we’ll help them lock down more wins. Joes Alvarado is back after the Phillies exercised his $9million club option. Despite a 2025 marred by a PED suspension, Alvarado has looked dominant in the spring with his sinker sitting at 98-99mph. Matt Strahm is expected to be the 7th inning specialist and provides trust for the Phillies after hitting his innings threshold in 2025. Orion Kerkering is coming off a rocky postseason and is looking to rebound, but has been slowed by a hamstring strain this spring.
Projected Lineup
- Trea Turner – SS
- Bryce Harper – 1B
- Kyle Schwarber – DH
- Alec Bohm – 3B
- Brandon Marsh – LF
- Adolis Garcia – RF
- Bryson Stott – 2B
- T. Realmuto – C
- Justin Crawford – CF
Projected Rotation
- Cristopher Sanchez
- Aaron Nola
- Jesus Luzardo
- Taijuan Walker
- Andrew Painter
- *Zack Wheeler
Projected Bullpen
Jhoan Duran – Closer
Jose Alvarado – Setup
Matt Strahm
Orion Kerkering
Brad Keller
Tanner Banks
Manager: Rob Thomson (5th season)
Projection: 85-77 (3rd in the NL East)
Written By: Brian Finnigan
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