After representing the National League in the 2022 World Series, the Philadelphia Phillies have struggled mightily. At the time of writing, they sit at a record of 26-32, good enough for fourth in the National League East. They have shown flashes of the brilliance that helped lead them to the World Series, but only briefly. They do have multiple options for representation at the 2023 All-Star Game, however, and we will be looking at three potential Philadelphia Phillies All-Stars today.
Philadelphia Phillies All-Stars
#1. Brandon Marsh
Brandon Marsh was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in the second round of the 2016 MLB Draft. He made his debut for the Angels in 2021 but struggles to find his groove and an everyday role. At the 2022 trade deadline, the Phillies sent the Angels their top-catching prospect, Logan O’Hoppe, for Brandon Marsh. Marsh hit the ground running on his new team and has never looked back.
In two seasons with the Angels, Marsh put up a line of .239/.299/.354 with 10 home runs and an 81 OPS+ in 163 games. So far with the Phillies, he has hit to a line of .282/.350/.463 with eight home runs and a 125 OPS+ across 96 games. He is currently in the midst of his best season to date. With a line of .277/.373/.470, five home runs, and a 131 OPS+, he could find himself an All-Star nod.
#2. Andrew Vasquez
Andrew Vasquez has been a journeyman to this point in his career. He has made a total of 41 appearances, spread amongst five different teams. He may have finally found his home, however, as a member of the Philadelphia Phillies bullpen.
The Phillies selected Andrew Vasquez off waivers from the San Francisco Giants on November 9th, 2022. The 29-year-old lefty began the season in the Majors for Philadelphia and has proven thus far that he deserves to stay. In 19 appearances, he has pitched 27.2 innings, while finishing eight games, allowing only four runs, and carrying an ERA+ of 331. This has easily been Vasquez’s best season to date, and he more than deserves to be one of the Philadelphia Phillies All-Stars.
#3. Bryce Harper
I mean, come on. Was there anyone else? Bryce Harper has been the Phillies’ best hitter since returning in early May from Tommy John surgery. In 27 games, he has hit to a line of .300/.398/.460 with three home runs and an OPS+ of 136. It is a small sample size, and he has cooled off after a blazing-hot start upon his return, but Bryce Harper is someone that is deserving of a perennial All-Star nod. His home run rate has been down this season, and his strikeout rate has been up, but he has still shown that he can work the count with the best of them with 17 walks. It’s safe to assume that Bryce Harper will bring home his eighth All-Star appearance this season.
Honorable Mentions
Nick Castellanos
Nick Castellanos is showing the Philly faithful that last season was a fluke and that his contract was not a bust. With a line of .310/.352/.496 and a 131 OPS+, I’d be remiss to not mention Castellanos.
Jose Alvarado
Jose Alvarado was having his best season to date before hitting the IL with elbow inflammation on May 10th. The once effectively-wild lefty was effectively-effective this season as he had not walked any batters through 14.1 innings while striking out 24.
Cristian Pache
It may be a stretch to assume that Cristian Pache could have kept up the rate of production he started the season with. But, a .960 OPS and a 159 OPS+ is a promising start, even with only 26 plate appearances. It’s a shame that he tore his meniscus as this season was starting to look like his coming-out party.
Main photo credits:
Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Players mentioned:
Brandon Marsh, Logan O’Hoppe, Bryce Harper, Nick Castellanos, Jose Alvarado, Cristian Pache, Andrew Vaszquez
