We are a quarter through the 2024 Major League Baseball season, and the Phillies hold the best record in the entire league.
A hot start has turned into consistent winning as the Phillies sit atop the National League. They have gotten this far with their fair share of obstacles. Losing Trea Turner for six weeks certainly was an unfortunate circumstance, but other players have picked up the slack for their teammates.
While the 94th Major League All-Star game is still two months away, there are a few Phillies players who are on track to make their first appearances at the mid-summer classic. These Phils have each played at an all-start level to start 2024. If they can keep it up, they will be representing the club in Texas this year.
3. Matt Strahm
Matt Strahm has been one of the best relief pitchers in all of Major League Baseball this season.
Despite a poor outing on Opening Day, Strahm has dialed himself in. The veteran left-hander has not allowed a run since the first game of the year and has been a huge asset for the Phillies and Rob Thomson.
Strahm has thrown 16.1 innings in 2024, pitching to a 1.10 earned run average across 17 appearances. He has 27 strikeouts to pair with just 1 walk on the year. As mentioned, aside from the 2 runs he allowed to the Braves, he has pitched in 16 scoreless appearances.
The Phillies are Matt Strahm’s four big league club, but he has yet to make an All-Star game. He should be a lock to make the team if he can continue pitching as he has through the first quarter of the season. He has been reliable, versatile, and able to get big outs to help the Phillies reach their 28-13 record.
2. Alec Bohm
Alec Bohm is playing like an MVP in 2024.
The Phillies’ third baseman is enjoying his break-out season at 27 years old. Despite being in his fifth season in Major League Baseball, Bohm finally seems to be reaching his prime.
Alec is among the leagues in all of baseball in various offensive categories. These include RBIs, hits, and OPS, where Bohm sits in the top 10. Not only has the third baseman been strong at the plate, but his defense has once again taken a step forward. In 2022, Alec Bohm finished with a -17 DRS (Defensive Runs Saved) mark and a -10 in 2023. In 2024, he currently sits at -1, which still leaves room for improvement, however, you can clearly see the trend is heading in the right direction.
For the season, Bohm is hitting .338/.400/.534/.934 with 32 runs batted in and the league-best 15 doubles. He has anchored the Phillies’ lineup behind Bryce Harper and provided stability from the right side. If Bohm can continue this pace, he will certainly get the nod for his first All-Star game this season.
Phillies Honorable Mention
There are a couple of other Phillies who could become first-time all-stars in 2024.
While they might not be as likely as the three on this list, there is still plenty of time to get the ball rolling on an All-Star campaign.
Bryson Stott is one of those players, and after a slow start to his season, he has really heated up for the Phillies. In May alone, he has raised his batting average from .226 to .270, with a .122 jump in his OPS as well. Bryson has been playing stellar defense at second base once again, and after nearly winning his first Gold Glove in 2023, he may be on pace to win the award this season.
If Bryson can continue improving some of his offensive numbers, he could also find himself in Texas for the 94th All-Star game.
1. Ranger Suarez
I think everyone knew this list would end with Ranger Suarez.
It would not be hyperbole to say that Ranger Suarez is the best pitcher in Major League Baseball today. The veteran left-hander has gotten off to the best start of his career and seemingly cannot be stopped.
Suarez is 7-0 with a 1.50 earned run average in 8 starts this season. He has allowed just nine runs this year and, at one point, tossed 32 consecutive scoreless innings this season. Believe it or not, this is Ranger’s 7th season in the Major Leagues. He made his debut in 2018 at 22 years old but didn’t become a regular for the Phils until 2021.
“Mr. Rager” is second in MLB in ERA, first in WHIP, is 1 of 7 pitchers to have thrown a complete game already this season, and leads all pitchers in wins.
Despite being the third pitcher in the Phillies’ starting rotation, Ranger Suarez has been the best. If he can continue to throw with this type of excellence, he might not just earn his first all-star nomination, but he has a case to start for the National League.
The Phillies could not have asked for a better start out of Ranger this season. He has been a catalyst for the club’s hot start and will have to continue to pitch well if the Phillies are to meet their expectations this season.
Photo Credit: (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)
