Festivities are underway as the Philadelphia Eagles are the reigning Super Bowl Champions. While the city of Philadelphia celebrates, the yearly sports cycle spins on and on. In just a few days, the sounds of helmets clashing and the smells of pigskins will be replaced by sounds of cracking wooden bats and the smells of freshly mowed grass and sunflower seed.
That is right, the Philadelphia Phillies are back. Spring Training is here.
Where the Phillies Currently Stand
After a 95-win season in 2024, the Phils are National League East Champions for the first time since 2011. This offseason, the Phillies have not gone for the flashy signing approach they have in the past, rather reinforcing their team’s core with the acquisitions of Max Kepler, Jesus Luzardo, Jordan Romano, and Joe Ross.
While one can argue the Phillies’ bullpen has regressed with the loss of Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estevez, the Phillies remain one of the top teams in Major League Baseball. According to MLB.com, the Phillies begin 2025 second only to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Power Rankings.
Even being ranked the second-best team, however, the Phillies have their work cut out for them in 2025. The Atlanta Braves will be out for blood after the Phils took the NL East title from them. Meanwhile the Mets knocked the Phillies out of the postseason before losing to the eventual World Champion Dodgers in the NLCS.
Prospects Set to Debut in 2025
While two of the Phillies’ largest prospects in Aidan Miller and Justin Crawford, will likely not be making their Major League debuts in 2025. There are, however, two highly touted prospects likely to finally appear in the big leagues.
Mick Abel may not have as much excitement attached to his name as when the Phillies drafted him in 2020, but the 23-year-old will look to earn his way into the Phillies’ bullpen in 2025. Abel owned a poor 6.46 ERA as a starter for Lehigh Valley in 2024 but still owned a strong 9.69 K/9 rate. At the very least, Abel will be able to eat extra innings as a deep man in the bullpen. At best, he could become a high-leverage, high-strikeout reliever for the Phillies.
Andrew Painter is in the late stages of rehabbing from Tommy John surgery. The right-hander is believed by many to be a top starting pitcher in the Majors. At age 21, the sky is certainly the limit for Painter, but he must first fully recover and get some innings under his belt. Dave Dombrowski has gone on record, and he plans for Painter to make his MLB debut sometime around July.
Top Talent
The Phillies feature a strong contingent of veteran talent that will lead the way this season. Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, and J.T. Realmuto highlighted a strong infield with young guns Alec Bohm and Bryson Stott playing pivotal roles as well. Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos provide additional offensive power from designated hitter and right field, respectively. Max Kepler is set to join Castellanos on Opening Day in left field, with the platoon of Brandon Marsh and Johan Rojas rounding out the outfield in center field.
The true bread and butter of the Phillies lie in their pitching rotation. Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola captain the way while the young guns of Ranger Suarez and Cristopher Sanchez demand respect. Add in newcomer Jesus Luzardo, and the Phillies have a deep one-to-five to start the 2025 campaign.
Riding the Hype Train
With the Eagles having earned their second Super Bowl championship, the energy throughout Philadelphia is at a fever pitch. As the city of Philadelphia prepares to celebrate the boys in green in the coming days, the boys in red pinstripes are also set to begin preparations for their 162-game campaign.
Pitchers and catchers report on Wednesday, with the rest of the Phillies’ contingent joining on February 17.
The Philadelphia Eagles are World Champions. It is officially baseball season.
Photo by Elsa/Getty Images
