Philadelphia Phillies: Stock up, stock down
The defending National League champion Philadelphia Phillies have turned their season around after a slow start to 2023. At 40-37, the Phillies find themselves 10.5 games behind the first-place Atlanta Braves but only three games out of an NL Wild Card spot. With a potent lineup and more than capable pitching staff, they look to be figuring things out as we head into the All-Star break.
Here are a few Phillies that are trending up and down in 2023.
Stock Up
Bryson Stott, second base: A mediocre rookie campaign in 2022 saw Stott hit just .234 with ten home runs and 49 RBI while splitting time between shortstop and second base. But with the Phillies making a big splash in free agency by signing Trea Turner to play shortstop, Stott has been able to fully focus on second base and it's paying off.
With a franchise record 17-game hit streak to open 2023, Stott has continued that success, batting .295 with seven home runs and 30 RBI while adding 13 stolen bases. Stott has shown the promise that had him as one of the Phillies' top prospects before breaking into the majors last season.
One of the team leaders in defensive runs saved, Stott is getting it done with the glove as well as the bat. He will be a crucial piece as the Phillies continue their climb in the National League.
Nick Castellanos, outfielder: Castellanos joined the Phillies last season after a huge year for the Cincinnati Reds in 2021. Despite the Phillies capturing a pennant, he struggled to make a consistent impact in 2022. Posting a .263 batting average with only 13 home runs and 62 RBI, it was far from the 34 home runs and 100 RBI season he had with the Reds.
2023 has been a different story, with a .313 average to go along with nine home runs and 44 RBI, he's also been a doubles machine, tallying 23 two-baggers. He's had multiple clutch hits and has been instrumental in the Phillies' recent turnaround.
While his defense is below average at best in right field, his production at the plate makes him worth the liability in the field—although he has made some impressive catches here and there.
Stock Down
Trea Turner, shortstop: Signed to an eleven-year, $300M deal this offseason, Turner has not lived up to the hype so far despite his recent hot streak at the dish.
One of the premier bats at the shortstop position, Turner was brought in to enhance the Phillies' offense with his mixture of bat-to-ball skills and athleticism. Turner is currently slashing .248/.305/.387, compared to the .302/.355/.487 he has averaged in his first eight professional seasons.
Although he has been excellent on the basepaths with 15 stolen bases and has yet to be caught, Turner has continued to play mediocre defense.
Far from the production they hoped for, Turner is too dynamic of a talent to struggle for too long and the Phillies front office can only hope that he turns things around with a big second half.
Bailey Falter, pitcher: After struggling through a tough rookie campaign in 2021, Falter looked as if he was turning the corner in 2022. With a 6-4 record and a respectable 3.86 ERA, there was hope that he could make the next step and become a staple in the Phillies rotation.
Things haven't gone as expected in 2023. With Falter making seven starts to begin the season, he was winless with a 5.13 ERA and allowed opposing hitters to bat .301 against him before being sent down to Triple-A.
Since arriving in Triple-A, things have not improved. With a 6.38 ERA across six starts, Falter has continued to fail to miss bats while allowing home runs at an alarming rate of 2.25 in the minors.
Still only 26, there's hope for Falter to bounce back, but 2023 has been a major setback and the organization will have to reevaluate his future if he can't find a groove this season.
More must-reads: