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Bryson Stott Reveals Opinion on Being Phillies' Leadoff Hitter

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Sullivan | Last updated May 16, 2025 6:16 PM ET

For a large portion of the Philadelphia Phillies' 2025 season, whenever the Phillies face a right-handed pitcher, Bryson Stott gets to leadoff. For the past few seasons, the leadoff role has been Kyle Schwarber's. Phillies manager Rob Thomson has shaken up the lineup in 2025, and it's worked out well.

In a segment on Sports Radio 94 WIP Afternoon Show, Stott was asked what it's been like being the Phillies' leadoff hitter. His answer revealed not only his opinion, but also his mindset when leading off.

Stott said, "I like it, I like it a lot actually... Doing it against righties when I'm playing is great."

Being the Phillies' leadoff hitter has been something Stott has enjoyed a lot. Getting the chance to hit in front of some of the best hitters in baseball is a great feeling for Stott.

In the leadoff spot, Stott has altered his mindset to fend off more pitches, giving more opportunities for the hitters behind him. With Trea Turner, Bryce Harper, and Schwarber all hitting behind Stott, getting on base to start a game is a huge opportunity for the Phillies.

"It's a little different, see if I can tire them down, and let them [Turner, Harper, Schwarber] get a mistake that's the pitch they want to do damage on," Said Stott, "[I'm] just trying to be annoying to the opposing pitcher and let them know it's not going to be an easy time through the order."

Being in the leadoff spot comes with a lot of pressure, but Stott has shown that he thrives there in 2025. As a leadoff hitter, Stott is batting .252 with a .308 on-base percentage and a .374 slugging percentage.

Over Stott's 25 games in the leadoff spot, he's managed to accumulate 27 hits, 15 runs, three doubles, two triples, two home runs, 16 RBI, eight walks, 21 strikeouts, and six stolen bases.

While his rate stats aren't as high as his season totals, Stott has been a solid contributor in the leadoff position for the Phillies. According to Fox Sports, Stott is seeing the most pitches per plate appearance in all of Major League Baseball.

Being able to wear down opposing pitchers has always been a trait of Stotts. But doing so in the leadoff spot is a great way for the Phillies' offense to start a game.

With Rob Thomson continually putting Stott in the leadoff spot against right-handed pitchers, the Phillies have seemingly found their leadoff hitter for the remainder of the year, much to the delight of Stott.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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