The Philadelphia Phillies are set to open spring training this week, with pitchers and catchers reporting to camp on Feb. 12. Their first spring training game follows just ten days later as the defending National League East champions will begin their quest for that elusive World Series championship. After a relatively quiet offseason, here are the five major questions facing the team heading into 2025.
Can the Phillies’ elite rotation stay healthy?
Led by Zack Wheeler, the Phillies boast one of baseball’s best rotations with Aaron Nola, Cristopher Sanchez, Ranger Suarez, and newly-acquired Jesus Luzardo. Wheeler, Sanchez, and Suarez earned All-Star nods last year, with Wheeler finishing second in NL Cy Young voting for the second time. Suarez emerged as a Cy Young candidate in the first half before injuries derailed his season after the All-Star break. The health concerns extend to Luzardo, who is coming off an injury-plagued year that limited him to just 12 starts for the Miami Marlins in 2024. The staff’s health will be crucial as the Phillies pursue their fourth straight postseason appearance.
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What impact will Andrew Painter have?
The Phillies’ prized pitching prospect, Andrew Painter, is expected to make his major-league debut this summer after recovering from Tommy John surgery. The 21-year-old first-round pick from 2021 was projected to start 2023 in the rotation before his arm injury. While the Phillies will carefully manage his workload, Painter will likely push Ranger Suarez to the bullpen and is expected to pitch crucial innings down the stretch.
Will the Phillies offense find consistency?
The lineup looks formidable on paper: Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner, J.T. Realmuto, Nick Castellanos, Alec Bohm, and Bryson Stott. However, the offense’s tendency to disappear in crucial moments (see the 2024 NLDS against the New York Mets) and chase pitches outside the zone remains concerning. With only outfielder Max Kepler added this offseason, the core group must prove they can deliver when it matters most.
Can Jordan Romano replace Jeff Hoffman in the bullpen?
The loss of Jeff Hoffman to the Toronto Blue Jays (three years, $33 million) leaves a significant void. A first-time All-Star in 2024, Hoffman has been one of baseball’s premier relievers over the past two seasons. While the Phillies signed two-time All-Star Jordan Romano, he comes with health concerns after being non-tendered by Toronto following a season limited to 15 games due to elbow inflammation and arthroscopic surgery. The Phillies need Romano to bounce back and will rely heavily on Matt Strahm, Orion Kerkering, Jose Alvarado, and Tanner Banks.
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How will the Phillies manage J.T. Realmuto’s workload?
J.T. Realmuto has been remarkably durable, averaging 119 games behind the plate annually since 2015. However, knee surgery limited him to 99 games last season, and he turns 34 next month. While the Phillies aim to manage his workload, Realmuto enters his contract year so it will be hard to get him off his feet. Also, it’s a big drop off in production outside of Realmuto as the backup battle will consist of Rafael Marchan (who is out of options) and Garrett Stubbs (who still has an option remaining). It will be an intriguing issue to watch during the season.
