A Star-Studded Lineup Takes the Field
In a significant spring training move, the Philadelphia Phillies traveled the short distance from Clearwater to Dunedin on Wednesday to face the Toronto Blue Jays. The team brought a formidable lineup of regulars, including Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, and J.T. Realmuto, who were appearing in their first spring game together. Joining this trio were Kyle Schwarber, Alec Bohm, Bryson Stott, and Max Kepler. Although the Phillies had planned to showcase this lineup on Monday at BayCare Ballpark, a rainout forced a rescheduling. Each player in the lineup brings unique strengths and a storied background to the diamond, making this a lineup worth watching.
Trea Turner: The Versatile Leadoff Man
Trea Turner, the Phillies’ shortstop, is set to lead off the lineup, a role he has occupied in 487 games and hit second in 470 during his career. Turner has a consistent track record, with a .302/.351/.485 batting line when leading off, a .292/.344/.477 line when hitting second, and a .315/.370/.517 line when hitting third. While leading off, he has been more prone to stealing bases, with 62 more steals in a similar sample size. Turner has expressed that running is more about scoring runs than personal statistics and has noted that he could have stolen more bases but often stays put to allow his teammates to hit. The Phillies are focused on Turner’s ability to get on base and score over 100 runs, believing that his home runs will come naturally if he focuses on these aspects.
Kyle Schwarber: Adapting for Success
Kyle Schwarber, the designated hitter, had a remarkable season in 2022, hitting .300 against left-handed pitching after hitting just .204 in the previous eight seasons. This success was a result of Schwarber’s strategic change, where he began to favor contact over power and utilized the opposite field more effectively. The Phillies are confident that Schwarber can replicate this success in 2025, and his performance against left-handed pitchers will be crucial in the team’s batting order. Schwarber’s ability to make adjustments late in his career serves as an inspiration to the team’s veterans, demonstrating that it’s never too late to refine one’s game.
Bryce Harper: Aiming for a Higher OBP
Bryce Harper, the Phillies’ first baseman, has set a clear goal for the season: to improve his on-base percentage (OBP). Since joining the Phillies, Harper has maintained a strong OBP, averaging .391, but his walk rates have declined in recent years. Harper’s OBP last season was .373, just slightly below his career average with the team. Harper aims to be more disciplined at the plate, focusing on increasing his walks and reaching base more frequently. This adjustment could significantly enhance the Phillies’ offensive output, especially if Harper and Schwarber bat consecutively in the two and three spots.
Alec Bohm: A Reliable Bat
Alec Bohm, the Phillies’ third baseman, has been a consistent performer in high-pressure situations. Since his debut in 2020, Bohm has hit .312 with runners in scoring position, a statistic that places him among the top three major-leaguers in this category over the same period. Only Freddie Freeman, Juan Soto, and Manny Machado have higher batting averages in at least as many plate appearances with runners in scoring position. Bohm’s ability to deliver in clutch moments provides valuable lineup protection for Harper, making him a key player in the Phillies’ offensive strategy.
Bryson Stott: Emerging as a Core Player
Bryson Stott, the Phillies’ second baseman, has faced challenges in his young career, particularly over his final 105 games of the 2022 season, where he hit just .232/.283/.319. This performance coincided with an elbow injury he detailed earlier this month. Prior to the injury, Stott had shown promise, hitting .279/.393/.456. Stott is a crucial part of the Phillies’ offense, and in an ideal scenario, he can function as a second leadoff hitter batting sixth, with a .340 on-base percentage and speed. As he enters his prime at age 27, along with Brandon Marsh, Stott needs to elevate his game for the Phillies to achieve their goals in 2025.
J.T. Realmuto: A Pillar of Consistency
J.T. Realmuto, the Phillies’ catcher, is a cornerstone of the team’s lineup and defense. If he stays healthy this season, Realmuto is poised to move into third place all-time in Phillies history for home runs by a catcher, currently trailing Mike Lieberthal (150) and Darren Daulton (134). Despite a down year in 2025, which included meniscus surgery, Realmuto remained one of the most productive offensive catchers in baseball. His baserunning has suffered in recent years, but Realmuto aims to increase his base-stealing and taking extra bases. With a healthier knee and more time off his feet, Realmuto could have a different year in 2025.
Max Kepler: A Key Outfielder
Max Kepler, the left fielder, plays a pivotal role in the Phillies’ lineup. His ability to hit left-handed pitching early in the season could influence multiple spots in the batting order. If Kepler can perform well against lefties, the Phillies won’t need to use more than one outfield platoon. Over the last three seasons, Kepler has hit .254 with an OPS just over .700 against same-handed pitching, respectable numbers that make him a valuable asset. Kepler’s performance will be crucial, especially with the injury to Weston Wilson, creating an open competition for the final bench spot.
Gabriel Rincones Jr.: A Promising Young Talent
Gabriel Rincones Jr., a powerful left-handed hitter, has shown significant promise in spring training. Despite being limited to an outfield corner and facing injury issues, Rincones has demonstrated his power, hitting a two-run homer over the wall in right field at BayCare Ballpark and another to the opposite field in his first at-bat against Jose Berrios. His ability to damage right-handed pitching when healthy makes him a name to watch for the future, potentially as a left-handed bat off the bench or a platoon outfielder.
Oscar Mercado: Competing for a Bench Spot
Oscar Mercado, a non-roster invitee, is a right-handed hitter vying for the final spot on the Phillies’ bench. The 30-year-old has played one game with the Phillies and has just under 1,000 plate appearances in the majors. Mercado had a promising rookie year with Cleveland in 2019 but has struggled to maintain that level of performance. With Weston Wilson’s injury, Mercado’s competition for the bench spot is more open, and his experience and potential could make him a valuable addition to the team.
Joe Ross: Versatility in the Bullpen
Joe Ross, a right-handed pitcher, is a versatile addition to the Phillies’ roster. Signed to a one-year, $4 million contract, Ross can fill multiple roles, including starting and relief. The Phillies are stretching him out as a starting pitcher this spring to protect against potential injuries during camp. Ross has started 86 games in his career but was used last year by the Brewers in various roles, including as a starting pitcher, long man, and late-leverage reliever. His presence adds depth to the bullpen, and his ability to pitch in different situations could impact the team’s overall strategy, especially if Taijuan Walker is limited to a long relief role.
