How the Phillies Made the 2025 MLB Postseason

He’s been the key run producer for a Phillies team that, thanks to Schwarber, is on pace to surpass their team run total (198 in 2024, 197 in 2025 as of 9/17), even though it’s been a down year power-wise for several players on the team, including Nick Castellanos and Alec Bohm.

Bryce Harper (133 OPS+), meanwhile, continues to play at a high level. And Trea Turner, in his third season with the Phillies, came into the day on September 17 with a NL-high 179 hits and could be the batting champion for the Senior Circuit when everything is complete on the 28th.

As for the rotation, the Phillies have been very successful over the years because of it. That’s been the case in 2025. But, how the team got there has been different.

Aaron Nola (17 HR, 69 ERA+ over 81 IP) has had his problems in an injury-hampered 2025 campaign. Zack Wheeler (164 ERA+), meanwhile, was excellent but thoracic outlet syndrome shut him down in August & clouded his availability for 2026.

When the Phillies suit up in October, their postseason rotation will look somewhat different. Ranger Suarez (157 ERA+) will yet again be a part of it. However, the two who will be leaned upon are Cristopher Sanchez, who’s pitched in only two playoff games in his career, and Jesus Luzardo (four appearances).

Luzardo, who last pitched in the playoffs against the Phillies two years ago, came over in an offseason trade last winter. The lefty navigated in-season trouble with his delivery out of the stretch and overall put together a very nice campaign. He’s already locked up his second career 200-strikeout season.

Sanchez, meanwhile, has stepped up to become arguably the team’s ace. He currently leads the Phillies in innings pitched (189.1 IP), and he’s two strikeouts shy of 200. The left-hander’s risen to stardom thanks to a plus-plus changeup that, as of the 17th, had the most swings-and-misses (253) among changeups.

Piecing together the bullpen

It’s been a weird couple of years for the Phillies, at least when it comes to their bullpen. Philadelphia picked up Craig Kimbrel in the winter of 2022 to help their team in 2023, only for him to fade in October. And last season, Carlos Estevez was very good in the regular season after he was acquired midseason.

But, a middle-middle fastball to Francisco Lindor marred his 2024 playoffs and effectively ended their season.

This year, the Phillies’ bullpen took another strange turn.

Jordan Romano, one of the best closers in 2022-23, was brought in back in December. Romano had an injury-shortened 2024 campaign but excelled as a two-pitch pitcher and made sense to bring in after losing Estevez and Jeff Hoffman.

It didn’t go well for Romano this season. The right-hander gave up seven home runs off the slider this year, while opposing hitters posted a .431 wOBA off a four-seamer that saw a lot of plate.

Jose Alvarado, meanwhile, received an 80-game PED suspension and is ineligible for the postseason.

The team ultimately solved their late-inning situation in July. But before then, the Phillies leaned upon Matt Strahm and Orion Kerkering, both of whom limited well-hit contact, to get through games.

Tanner Banks, acquired last July, has been nothing short of brilliant. The 33-year-old posted a sub-1.00 WHIP, thanks to limiting walks. Left-handed hitters slashed .170/.210/.240 (.450 OPS) off him this year.

Summer additions come through

The Phillies swung a big trade in late July, acquiring star closer Jhoan Duran from the Minnesota Twins. It looked more likely than not for weeks that Philadelphia was going to acquire a ninth-inning option, given how Romano pitched in the spring and Jose Alvarado’s suspension.

So far, so good for Duran. The right-hander walked one over his first 17.2 IP, struck out 22, and notched 15 saves. No reliever had more saves from August 1 onward than Duran.

The ex-Twin wasn’t the only notable relief pitcher addition. Philadelphia brought back reliever David Robertson, part of their 2022 NL pennant run, on a one-year prorated deal. Robertson’s numbers (20 K over 15 IP) have been fine.

Then, there’s Harrison Bader. Bader, traditionally a good fastball hitter, had a relatively good year offensively for the Twins, as he hit 12 home runs in 96 games for Minnesota. However, he’s been a revelation for the Phillies, as he posted a .507 SLG in his 40 games with the team.

What to expect come October

With the Phillies’ two wins on September 15-16 against the Dodgers, the Phillies have put themselves in a prime position to take a top-two spot in the National League. Which would give the Phillies an automatic berth in the NLDS, much like in 2024.

The Phillies already named Sanchez their Game 1 starter for their first playoff series, fitting given that he’s been arguably their best starter this season sans Wheeler. And even though the Phillies won’t have Wheeler, this year’s team has pieces that were missing in 2024. Namely, more depth in the bullpen with Tanner Banks and closer Jhoan Duran.

The Phillies have dealt with heartbreak in each of the past three seasons. But this year feels different. It feels more urgent. Several core pieces on this team (J.T. Realmuto, Suarez, Schwarber) can walk after 2025. This team should still be highly competitive next season. But, for this core, the time truly is now.