If I told you in June that the 22-29 Phillies were about to go on a 1993-esque run that would end with them being two wins away from the franchise’s third World Series Title, how would you respond?
Philadelphia fired their manager, ended a decade-long Postseason drought, avenged a previous Postseason loss, ended a championship defense, and beat a stacked Padre steam en route to a National League Pennant.
While the memories made this Postseason will last a lifetime, The Phils have some work to do in order to reach their ultimate goal.
How the Phillies crazy playoff run could be replicated
With most of the team coming back for 2023 and beyond, running this exact team back may not be ideal.
The Phillies are losing bullpen pieces to free agency. Names such as Brad Hand, Andrew Belatti, Noah Syndergaard, Corey Knebel, David Robertson, and Kyle Gibson. While some may be back, it won’t be enough.
The team also needs to find a dominant closer. With the emergence of Jose Alvarado and Seranthony Dominguez as premiere set-up relievers, the Phillies do not have someone that will come in in the 9th inning and put the fear of God in hitters and opposing fans.
The defense was a question mark for the Phillies for most of the season. Alec Bohm was looking to be the scapegoat for the red pinstripes early on, but Bobby Dickerson worked his magic and Bohm became a more-than-serviceable third baseman.
Centerfield was another question mark for Philadelphia. With the addition of Brandon Marsh at the August 2nd Trade Deadline, centerfield is under control for the next few seasons.
First Base will remain a big question for the Phillies. Rhys Hoskins’s subpar defense and hit-or-miss offense is a decision Dave Dombrowski and his staff have to make before paying Hoskins a big contract extension.
Photo Credit: AP Photo/Matt Rourke
