Unfortunately, Phillies baseball has come to an end in 2023.
While the end result of winning a World Series was not accomplished, the Phillies had an all-around successful season.
They had their highest win total since 2011, their first no-hitter by a starter since 2015, and won two playoff series. It wasn’t another pennant or World Series-winning year, I would gladly take this season’s successes over what most teams received in 2023.
However, it is time to look forward and get our sights on the 2024 season of Phillies’ baseball. These are three reasons why I am looking forward to next season.
Milestone Moments
While this is a team game, there are individual moments that take place during a season that are really special.
For example, Bryce Harper hit his 300th home run in August. This was one of the more memorable parts of the 2023 season for fans, especially in the manner in which he did it.
Nick Castellanos hit homeruns #199 and #200 in the same game, Craig Kimbrel recorded his 400th career save, and Aaron Nola moved into 5th all-time for strikeouts by a Phillies pitcher.
These awesome moments are what help make a long season feel so short and are personal victories that help guide a ballplayer through a 162-game slate.
When a player reaches a record milestone, it is fun to share that moment with them. Whether you are watching on TV or sitting at the Bank, these moments will become great stories to tell in years to come.
A Healthy Bryce Harper
What Bryce Harper accomplished this year is nothing short of remarkable.
He had Tommy John surgery this past off-season and was expected to be out the entire first half of the Major League Baseball season.
Instead, Bryce did what he always does, and shattered expectations.
On May 2nd Harper rejoined the Phillies in Los Angeles in a series against the Dodgers. It was just 160 days after getting the surgery that the former MVP needed before he could return to baseball action.
In 126 games played, the 2022 NLCS MVP hit for a .293 batting average and a .900 OPS. He hit 29 doubles and drove in 72 runs. That is a 93 RBI pace had he played the entire season. Oh, and he learned how to play first base while putting up these numbers.
A healthy season for Bryce Harper should not only mean more wins for the Phillies but give him a chance at season accolades as well. Maybe another All-Star appearance, Silver Slugger award, or even an MVP award will be on the horizon for #3 in 2024.
Another Edition of Philies’ Red October
I can get used to making Red October an annual event.
Between post-game parties in the locker room, a sold-out Citizens Bank, and a home-field advantage unlike any other, there is nothing more electric than experiencing Red October in Philadelphia.
The ultimate culmination of a Red October would end with a parade down Broad Street, and I think the Phillies are in a prime position to make that happen in 2024.
They without a doubt should be one of the six teams representing the National League in the post-season next year. I would like for them to win the division and maybe have a first-round bye for a change, but once you get in, anything can happen.
The Braves and Dodgers are almost locked to make the playoffs, and the Phillies have proven to be just as good as those clubs. In fact, the Phillies have had the most success when you factor in the playoffs between the three since 2022.
A strong 2024 campaign will get Philly back in the dance. Maybe this will finally be the year they get over the hump.
Photo Credit: (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)
