Since Rob Thomson took over as the Philadelphia Phillies’ interim manager and then morphed into a full-time role, he has been besieged with questions about the leadoff hitter.
More specifically, Kyle Schwarber.
It’s no secret that Schwarber is an unorthodox player to have hitting first in the order.
He doesn’t hit for average. He’s not a normal contact hitter. He has well below average speed.
But the Phillies have won a lot of ballgames with the left-handed power hitter at the top of the lineup.
Thomson has repeatedly said that he has a comfort level with Schwarber batting first.
Will that continue?
Trea Turner is a good option. Bryson Stott could handle it.
When Opening Day comes around, don’t be surprised to see Schwarber leading off.
The slugger ripped a National League-leading 46 home runs in 2022 when Philadelphia advanced to the World Series. He added 47 more homers last season as the Phillies came within one victory of advancing to another Fall Classic.
MLB.com noted that if Schwarber pops 40 or more homers this season, he’ll join Khris Davis (Oakland Athletics, 2016-18) and Alex Rodriguez (Texas Rangers, 2001-03) as the only players to accomplish the feat in their first three seasons with a team.
Ryan Howard had four straight seasons (2006-09) with 40 or more home runs.
That’s what makes Schwarber’s value so intriguing.
He’s hardly a prototypical leadoff hitter.
Personally, I’d like the Phillies to have Turner hitting first.
It’s hard to argue with success. When Schwarber leads off, the Phillies win a whole lot more games than they lose.
Yes, he’ll strike out at a high pace. And when Schwarber does get on base, he’s not a threat to steal.
If the Phillies continue to pile up victories, look for Thomson to keep things as they are.
Pencil in the power hitter first.
It does work.
More must-reads: