The Philadelphia Phillies enter spring training with high expectations following three consecutive postseason letdowns.
In 2022, they emerged as a surprise contender, clinching a playoff spot in the final week of the season and making an impressive run to the World Series, where they fell to the Houston Astros in six games.
By 2023, the Phillies were among the favorites to win it all, but after taking a 2-0 and later a 3-2 lead in the NLCS against the Arizona Diamondbacks, they faltered at home in Games 6 and 7, scoring just three total runs and losing the series in seven games.
In 2024, with a first-round bye, they faced division rival New York Mets in the NLDS. However, their offense struggled once again, leading to a four-game elimination.
Heading into 2025, Philadelphia retains much of its core, making only a minor addition in outfielder Max Kepler, who hit eight home runs last season with the Minnesota Twins. Kepler is expected to take over in left field, shifting Brandon Marsh back to center.
Philadelphia Phillies manager not ready to ‘commit’ to Brandon Marsh
The Phillies acquired Brandon Marsh, now 27, from the Los Angeles Angels at the 2022 trade deadline in exchange for catcher Logan O’Hoppe, expecting him to become their everyday center fielder. However, that plan has yet to fully take shape due to his struggles against left-handed pitching.
Last season, Marsh hit just .192 with one home run and a .552 OPS in 90 plate appearances against lefties, collecting only 15 hits and seven walks while striking out 33 times. Over his four-year MLB career with the Angels and Phillies, he has posted a .216 average with six home runs in 386 plate appearances versus southpaws.
Manager Rob Thomson told The Athletic’s Matt Gelb that while Marsh will see plenty of at-bats against left-handers in spring training, his regular-season role remains undecided.
“I mean, I’m not going to commit to anything right now,” Thomson said.
Thomson stressed the importance of Marsh using the opposite field when facing lefties.
“Using the other field. Staying on the ball. Thinking low to left field,” Thomson told Gelb. “It helps him with all off-speed pitches, really, whether it’s right-handed or left-handed. But especially with left-handed pitching. So if he stays with that, he’s got a chance to have some success.”
If Marsh continues to struggle against left-handers, he will likely platoon in center field with the light-hitting Johan Rojas.
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