After a surprise run to the World Series in the fall of 2022, the Philadelphia Phillies enter the upcoming season with largely the same core. Aside from an upgrade at shortstop in the form of star free-agent newcomer Trea Turner, most of the lineup will include familiar faces — especially when the injured Bryce Harper returns in the later months of the year.
The few question marks that remain on the roster are largely on the fringes, set to be sorted out this spring; the fifth spot in the starting rotation, the final bullpen slot and the bench will be the ones to be fought for. And with pitchers and catchers reporting to Clearwater next week, here is Phillies Nation‘s first projection for the Phillies’ 26-man opening day roster in 2023.
Starting pitchers: Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Ranger Suárez, Taijuan Walker, Andrew Painter
The three starters Philadelphia leaned on most on its way to the National League pennant — Wheeler, Nola and Suárez — will lead the Phillies’ rotation in 2023. With Zach Eflin departing for Tampa Bay, Walker joins the rotation from the Mets, locking in the first four spots.
The competition for the fifth spot will be the most interesting battle on the team, and Painter — the organization’s 19-year-old top prospect — has a shot to win the job with a good showing in Spring Training. He’s inexperienced, but has the stuff to contribute right away.
Relief pitchers: Seranthony DomÃnguez, José Alvarado, Connor Brogdon, Andrew Bellatti, Gregory Soto, Craig Kimbrel, Matt Strahm, Bailey Falter
With four key returning members of last year’s playoff bullpen, the Phillies added Soto, Kimbrel and Strahm to strengthen the relief options. Falter should get the nod to start the season over pitchers like Nick Nelson due to his ability to provide longer outings and spot starts.
Catchers: J.T. Realmuto, Garrett Stubbs
The best catcher in the sport and a backup who excelled in his limited opportunities last season play for the Phillies. They don’t have much to worry about at this position.
Infielders: Rhys Hoskins, Bryson Stott, Trea Turner, Alec Bohm, Edmundo Sosa, Josh Harrison
The Phillies will start a group of three returning infielders along with Turner, and Sosa’s productivity and defensive skills will give the team a chance to rotate the DH spot until Harper is back in the summer. Harrison, a recent free-agent signing, serves as another veteran bench infield option with some limited experience in the outfield.
Outfielders: Kyle Schwarber, Brandon Marsh, Nick Castellanos, Daulton Guthrie, Jake Cave
Schwarber, Marsh and Castellanos served as Philadelphia’s outfield in the second half of last season and in the playoffs as Harper was only able to DH, and it’ll likely have to stay that way for most of 2023 as well. Guthrie, a speedy utility player, helped the Phillies down the stretch when Castellanos was banged up. Cave’s ability to play the outfield could get him the first opportunity for the last bench role over the poor-fielding Darick Hall.
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