2025 Philadelphia Phillies Outlook: Offense

It’s nearly opening day folks.

The Philadelphia Phillies officially have their 26-man roster set and are just days away from beginning their 2025 campaign. Last season ended on a sour note, as they lost in four games to long-time division rivals the New York Mets in the divisional round of the playoffs. It was a terrible way to end a fantastic season, but that is the past, and the team has flipped the page to 2025. 

The Phillies’ offense retained the majority of the players from last year, however, the team made some moves hoping to get the team over the hump. On top of that, the batting order could see a major shakeup compared to previous years, and the bench saw small but possibly necessary moves.

They’re led by first baseman and one of the top players in baseball Bryce Harper in his seventh season as a Phillie. Harper has exceeded expectations and then some since arriving in Philly and his continued success will only help drive this team towards their goal of a world championship.

Trea Turner is back at shortstop for his third year in Philadelphia and the Phillies are hoping for Turner to bounce back after an up-and-down 2024. Nick Castellanos is back leading the outfield in his fourth year with the club. Castellanos had an impressive second half in 2024 and was arguably the best player on the Phillies last season, so his continued success will be continued for the middle of the batting order.

Another key story for some of the other veteran bats this year is the possible contract extensions for catcher J.T. Realmuto and designated hitter Kyle Schwarber. Both players have only one year left on their contracts and have actively been in talks with the Phillies front office about getting extensions done.

If deals can’t be reached at any time this year, could this be the last year for both players? If so then the Phillies will hope to get the most out of the two of them. Schwarber has been the everyday leadoff hitter since arriving in Philadelphia.

However, despite the success over the last three years, the Phillies may experiment and move Schwarber down in the order and have Turner move to the leadoff spot. It’s a risky move for the Phillies to change what has worked for them in the regular season but they’re willing to take that change to win it all.

As for Realmuto, it’s been an up-and-down struggle for the catcher over the last few seasons as the BCIB (best catcher in baseball) may not be the best anymore. Realmuto enjoys playing here but it may be time for the Phils to start looking at new options behind the plate if 2025 isn’t J.T.’s year.

Rounding out the returning starters are the unofficial members of the “Phillies Daycare” Alec Bohm, Bryson Stott, and Brandon Marsh. Bohm broke out in 2024 making his first All-Star team as a starter and was on track to possibly receive MVP votes.

However, late in the season, Bohm injured his wrist and struggled once he returned and into the playoffs. After the season, Bohm was involved in multiple trade rumors and it seemed like the Phillies were going to have a new third baseman in 2025. Bohm was not traded though and now he’s back for another year hoping to continue his success from the beginning of last year.

For Stott and Marsh, 2025 is a big year for both players. Stott’s offense took a huge drop, as his average and on-base percentage both dropped mightily. He’s been asked to cut down on the chasing and attempt to walk more which he has succeeded in so far during spring training and will try to roll over into the regular season.

2025 could be the last year in Philadelphia for Marsh. While not terrible, the 27-year-old center fielder hasn’t blossomed into the game-changing player they hoped they get when they traded for Marsh back at the 2022 deadline. With top outfield prospect Justin Crawford on the verge of making it to the majors, 2025 may be a make-it-or-break-it year for Marsh. Manager Rob Thomson has said that Marsh will get playing time against left-handed pitching, someone he has struggled with.

Rounding out the Phillies’ offense is the sole free-agent acquisition of Max Kepler. Kepler signed a one-year deal coming over from the Minnesota Twins. The left-hander should be a huge offensive upgrade over last year’s third outfielder Johan Rojas, but how big of an upgrade will be the question.

Speaking of Rojas, the speedy outfielder is back but this time in a full-time bench role for now. He will provide late-inning defensive help and will get playing time a few days a week. Also back on the bench is infielder Edmundo Sosa. Sosa spent time in centerfield this spring but will likely stay in the infield backing up Bohm, Stott, and Turner.

The other two bench spots differ from last year, most notably being the backup catcher. After three years Garrett Stubbs will not be the backup catcher for the Phillies to open the year. Instead, it will be Rafael Marchán finally getting a shot to be in the big leagues full-time. With Realmuto getting older and only guaranteed one more year in Philly, could Marchán be the answer at catcher moving forward?

Rounding out the bench is utility man Kody Clemens. Clemens beat out Buddy Kennedy during the spring for the last spot on the roster and will fill any role he can. Clemens has spent time all over the field for the Phillies, most notably at first and second base, but will fill anywhere he’s needed.

So the only question left is what the batting order will look like. It’s either Turner or Schwarber leading off, although the signs are pointing toward Turner winning that spot. The lineup will likely look like this:

1. Turner
2. Harper
3. Bohm
4. Schwarber
5. Realmuto or Castellanos
6. Kepler
7. Realmuto or Castellanos
8. Stott
9. Marsh

Time will tell if this will be the lineup that wins the Phillies a World Series, but we’ll get a look at it soon enough when it takes on MacKenzie Gore and the Nationals on Thursday, March 27 at 4:05 p.m.

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