At the beginning of the season, it seemed as if the Philadelphia Phillies were unbeatable. With so many good hitters, the Phillies could destroy opponent after opponent and gain a massive lead in the NL East. However, the Phils need better hitting for the NL East title, and they need to finish strong if they hope for another playoff run.
Three Phillies Who Need To Turn It Around In September
Bryson Stott
Bryson Stott has not done quite as well this season as he did in 2023. In 2023, Stott put together a great season at only 25 years old. He hit only 15 home runs but managed a .280 average. Stott has managed a .243 average this season but only hit ten home runs. With a long list of great hitters on Philadelphia’s team, it is clear that Stott is not their greatest hitter, but he is one of the most important.
If Stott can improve this season, then the Phillies can follow along. In the NL East, the Phillies lead by six games, with the second team being the Atlanta Braves and the third team being the New York Mets, who trail right behind Atlanta. In all likeliness, the Braves or Mets overtaking the Phillies is not possible, with a month remaining. However, a solid end to the season for Philly would help them carry momentum into the playoffs.
Kyle Schwarber
Kyle Schwarber may have been baseball’s most critical home run hitter over the last few years. After hitting 32 home runs with the Washington Nationals and Boston Red Sox in 2021, Schwarber exploded for a 46-home run season and a 47-home-run season in 2022 and 2023. This season, Schwarber has been able to hit 28 home runs but is only on pace for a 33-home run season.
Of course, a 33-home run is well coveted by most players, but Schwarber needs to have more power for the Phillies, who need more power themselves. Overall, a fair number of players are underperforming compared to their last few seasons. However, Kyle’s effect on the last couple of postseason runs for Philly is too essential to underestimate. Again, an excellent conclusion to September regarding the upcoming playoffs would be lovely for Philly.
Bryce Harper
Bryce Harper. Who has been a better baseball player since his debut in 2012? 332 home runs, 138 steals, .281 average, speed, power, and the ability to hit. Yet the World Series ring he desperately wants has always evaded him. In 2018, his final year with the Nationals was the final year before the Nationals made it to the World Series and won; in 2022, his team, the Phillies, went up on the Astros in the World Series.
His team lost in the World Series, and then last year, after defeating the 104-57 Atlanta Braves, the Phils lost to the 83-79 Arizona Diamondbacks after going up 2-0 in the NLCS. In other words, Harper wants a ring, and he wants it now. He needs to lead his team in their effort, and a good September would be a lovely addition. With only 26 home runs and just 76 RBIs, the team needs him more than anybody to step it up in October.
In October, the Phillies will be trying to go on another run for the World Series. And certain hitters must help them in the effort.
Main Photo Credits: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
