Bryson Stott was drafted in the first round, 14th overall back in 2019 and was once the top prospect in the Phillies’ farm system.
Following spring training in 2022, Bryson was called up and made his debut on Opening Day at third base.
He struggled and was optioned to Lehigh Valley so he could work on his mechanics. He still struggled when he came back up, but since Rob Thomson took over, he’s been a different player and only got better in 2023.
Stott started the 2023 season with a 16-game hit streak, a franchise record to start a season, and finished it as a Gold Glove finalist.
Stott’s Offense
2023 might have looked like a breakout year for Bryson Stott but look to the 2024 season as the best season yet for the homegrown Phillie.
In 2023, he was one of the better second basemen in the National League. He slashed .280/.329/.419 with 15 HRs, 62 RBIs, and 31 stolen bases.
2024 is his third full season in the majors after the stellar performance.
He’s got the potential to be an all-around weapon if he can work on his power and on-base gains. For example, he had 31 extra-base hits in 2022 and it climbed to 49 in 2023.
Stott also became a better baserunner, also expected to pick up in 2024. He stole 31 bases last season, compared to 12 just two years ago. In 2023, he tied with Zack Wheeler for the highest bWAR.
You can expect another high season in 2024. He also is known for reading pitches incredibly well. Stott averages 4.17 pitches per plate appearance — the MLB average is 3.90. He knows how to advance both as an infielder and a baserunner.
~ Regina Ham
The numbers could look like a .290 batting average, 20 home runs, and at least 30 stolen bases. He is a patient batter and you can expect more of that in the coming season. Stott is the best hitter in all of Major League Baseball when it comes to 0-2 counts, and while that’s difficult to replicate, I expect it will be about the same in 2024.
~ Kylee Sullenberger
Gold Glove Defense
Following the 2022 season, the Phillies went up to Bryson Stott and asked him if he preferred playing shortstop or if he was willing to make the move to second base and allow the Phillies to make a move for one of the four shortstops on the free agent market.
His “big leagues” response made the Phillies’ decision to sign Trea Turner that much easier. Before the 2023 season, Stott had to play second base for 41 games in his rookie year because Jean Segura was hit by a pitch.
Those 41 games gave the fans a glimpse of what was to come in 2023. He looked like a natural fit at second, finishing the season as a Gold Glove finalist this past season.
What can we expect from the former first-round pick defensively in 2024? Another Gold Glove-caliber season.
I don’t think his great defensive year was anything but the standard for him.
Bryson was a good defender at shortstop, and while it’s a different position, how well he fits at second base is not surprising.
Stott put the world on notice in 2023 and you can expect even more improvement in 2024.
This has been a collaborative piece between Kylee Sullenberger and Regina Ham.
Photo Credit: (AP News / Matt Slocum)
