PHILADELPHIA— Baseball has arrived! As pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training, baseball fever begins to spread across Philadelphia.
Meanwhile, down in Clearwater, the Philadelphia Phillies start their campaign for the 2025 season. The goal for this season is simple: win the World Series. Each day moves the club one step closer to that goal.
As we prepare to start the baseball season, Metro Philadelphia and Philly Sports Network combine to preview the roster. In this edition, we will break down the starting rotation for the 2025 Philadelphia Phillies.
Phillies 40-Man Roster
Before the rotation can be built, you must have an understanding of the selection at Rob Thomson‘s disposal. Like any other contending club, your 6th, 7th, and 8th starters are just as important as the starting 5. As we have seen in recent years, depth in the rotation is pivotal.
Currently, the Phillies have the following starting pitchers on their active 40-man roster:
(15) Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Cristopher Sanchez, Ranger Suarez, Jesus Luzardo, Taijuan Walker, Joe Ross, Michael Mercado, Mick Abel, Seth Johnson, Tyler Phillips, Alan Rangel, Moises Chace, Jean Cabrera, Kyle Tyler.
While some players will get relegated to the bullpen, there will be an opportunity for most of these individuals to get starts during Spring Training. Whether that be in Grapefruit League action or on the back fields, the Phillies will be auditioning for some key depth positions.
Starting 5
I think we can all agree that the Phillies starting rotation will consist of Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Cristopher Sanchez, Ranger Suarez, and Jesus Luzardo. The order in which these players might get slotted might be the only true debate this Spring.
| Order | Player | Expected Opponent | Date |
| 1. | Zack Wheeler | @ Nationals | 3/27 |
| 2. | Cristopher Sanchez | @ Nationals | 3/29 |
| 3. | Aaron Nola | @ Nationals | 3/30 |
| 4. | Jesus Luzardo | vs Rockies | 3/31 |
| 5. | Ranger Suarez | vs Rockies | 4/2 |
Zack Wheeler should earn his second consecutive Opening Day start if all things go according to plan in Philly. Wheeler dominated once again in 2024, proving that he is one of the best pitchers in baseball. After switching from Aaron Nola last season, I would expect the Phillies to continue with Zack in game one.
Cristopher Sanchez is my pick to start game two of the season, thus assuming the role of the team’s number two starter. An All-Star in 2024, Sanchez rose to new levels in his Major League career. After starting in game two of the NLDS against the Mets, I feel Rob Thomson might look to keep the same rotation heading into this season.
Under this assumption, it would also mean that Aaron Nola pitches the finale of the Opening Series. Nola would take over the third starter role with the Phillies in what is set to be his 11th season in Philadelphia. Another reason why this could be the play for Rob Thomson is that it would break up the lefties and righties in his rotation. Rather than an R-R-L-L-L mix, you would get an R-L-R-L-L instead.
The fourth and fifth spots in the starting rotation for the Phillies will come down to Jesus Luzardo and Ranger Suarez. I would expect whoever performs best in Spring Training to earn that nomination. Suarez should have the inside track due to his experience with the team, but a healthy Luzardo could rise in the internal rankings. Both pitchers can excel when healthy, so the Phillies will have to prioritize a slow build for both guys.
Depth in the Rotation
Taijuan Walker and Tyler Phillips are going to go down without a fight. This early action is going to alter the course of Taijuan Walker’s big-league career. When the Phillies signed him heading into the 2023 season, the expectation was that he would anchor the back end of their rotation. After a brutal 2024 season, the Phillies are not committed to Walker being in the starting rotation.
With 32 million dollars still owed to the veteran, there is a likelihood of Philadelphia’s front office keeping him on the roster. Stashing Tai in the bullpen might be the role that he plays in 2025. His command and velocity both decreased rapidly in 2024, but if he can find some resemblance to his former self, there could be a spot for him.
If Walker shines in a starting role, the Phillies could also look to trade him to another club. Teams always need starting pitching, and this could help free a roster spot in Philadelphia. I would expect the Phillies to have to eat a portion of Taijuan’s contract to move him, but a good performance only benefits both sides.
Tyler Phillips was quite the story in 2024. With strong performances in his first three starts, including a complete game shutout against the Cleveland Guardians, Phillips was a darling in the eyes of Phillies fans. The South Jersey native had a chance to pitch for his childhood team, a story that resonates with any sports fan.
Phillips started to struggle once opposing teams had a chance to scout his game. Tyler fell out of the rotation but still played a key role for the Phils down the stretch run of the season. He got a taste of big-league hitting last season and has a chance this Spring to show what he has learned. A good campaign could help Tyler earn an Opening Day roster spot, with the chance to provide spot starts if the Phillies need him.
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
