Despite what transpired in the final two games against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the National League Championship Series, the Philadelphia Phillies still boast one of the most potent lineups in Major League Baseball.
Two maddening losses doesn’t change that fact.
Unfortunately, in the what-have-you-done-for-me-lately world of professional sports, those two losses still sting.
Coming home with a 3-2 lead in the NLCS should have guaranteed a second consecutive berth in the World Series.
But that’s why they play the games.
The Diamondbacks were the better team in those two games even though the Phillies had the better lineup.
Is it flawed? Well, all lineups are flawed in some way.
Manager Rob Thomson still has plenty of time and all of spring training to figure out his lineup for 2024.
There may even be a player or two not on the roster yet.
For now, here’s an early look at how the lineup could look:
- Trea Turner, SS
- Bryson Stott, 2B
- Kyle Schwarber, DH
- Bryce Harper, 1B
- Alec Bohm, 3B
- J.T. Realmuto, C
- Nick Castellanos, RF
- Brandon Marsh, LF
- Johan Rohas, CF
Over the last two seasons, Thomson has been adamant about batting Schwarber in the leadoff role. Thomson believes it gives the Phillies the best chance to win.
Will he stick with it in ’24?
We’ll find out soon.
Dave Dombrowski has talked about looking for other pieces in the outfield to add depth and it's not a given Rojas will make the Opening Day roster if his bat hasn't improved.
Even if the Phillies don’t make another roster move, this lineup is still rock solid from top to bottom
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