Philadelphia Phillies Playoff Push 2024 season

[JudgeMetalTV]

The 2023 Phillies finished 76-86 burried in 4th place in the NL East. For a team filled with stars and large contracts this was not good. The team added big time free agents like Clayton Kershaw but a 14th ranked bullpen and horrendous defense kept this team 10 games under .500.

2024 saw some changes but a tightening of the budget by ownership meant no "big splashes" in this off season. Through June the team struggled to reach .500. A post injury Bryce Harper struggled to hit over .220, leading some to say the three time MVP was done. Zach Wheeler also fighting his way back from a serious injury posts an ERA over 5.

But a realigned bullpen was quietly the best in the NL, and Clayton Kershaw started to find his groove. From July 1st the Phillies have been 24-11. The once unreachable Nationals are now in second and need at least a split to prevent falling further behind. Can this veteran club dig deep and finish the run. Will the Wheeze kids ride again in 2024? It all starts with this series in Philadelphia against the hated Nationals.

https://youtu.be/J6-5zeibWwM

[kq76]

Nice start! I especially liked the inclusion of a video. Welcome to the community.

[JudgeMetalTV]

Thank you kg76. More to come very soon.

[JudgeMetalTV]

Fool’s Gold?
Hard to believe but just one week ago the Phillies took three out of four from the Nationals to extend their lead in the NL east to 3 games. Since then, the Phils have taken two of three from Minnesota and swept a short two game set against the Blue Jays.
Some expected a letdown after such a key series. It’s understandable to be skeptical. Considering the team’s 12-15 performance in June some might consider this run as “fool’s gold.”
But since that series the offense has just kept rolling. Lead by the resurgent Nick Castellanos (10/23, 6 R, 5 RBI) and Rhys Hoskins (10/19, 3 HR, 10 RBI, 6 R) the Phillies have taken care of business scoring 34 runs in 5 games.
The Phillies will head to Washington with a 3-game lead. The Nationals have won 4 of 6 from Oakland and Boston since the 4-game set in Philadelphia. This is the last time these two clubs are scheduled to meet this season. With September just days away; these three games could be decisive.
Currently the rest of the east is fading and the race at this moment is down to the Phils and Nationals. A sweep by Washington and the East is tied up, a sweep by Philly and this thing is over. Washington must win at least two games. This weekend in D.C. will the Phillies strike gold or strike out?

[JudgeMetalTV]

The much anticipated final season series between the Phillies and the Nationals is complete. See the video recap below.

https://youtu.be/PSEJlwFao4M


Philadelphia takes 2 of 3 in the series to expand their NL East lead to 4 games.

[JudgeMetalTV]

The Phillies host the San Fransisco Giants winning a pair of one run games to continue the momentum built up against Washington. Game three took a negative turn not only losing the ballgame but also losing three key players in the process.

Bryce Harper will be day to day for 1 week with a strained back. Nick Castellanos is day to day for 1 to 2 weeks with a strained oblique.
The Phillies have announced they will not place either player on the IL due to the expected return of both players and also roster expansion on the 1st of September.

The big story though is the third injury. Phil's closer Giovanny Gallegos is out with a ruptured ulnar collateral ligament. Recovery is estimated to be about 11 months. Gallegos was dominant during the first half of the season but showed signs of slowing post All Star break. In 45 appearances Gallegos was 3-2 with 25 saves and a 4.80 ERA.

In the end taking 2 of 3 from the Giants is a successful series but can the Phillies maintain their lead in the east without their 4 and 5 hitters and who will now close out games for the #1 bullpen in the National League?

[JudgeMetalTV]

August Resurrection

When the story of the 2024 Phillies is complete it may be said that August was when this team found itself. Despite losing the final three games of the month the Phil’s went 19-8 including a 5-2 record against Washington to move into first place in the east.

The largest factor in the resurrection of a season that seemed doomed for .500 was the starting rotation. Despite being tenth in the NL in starters ERA all 5 starters are giving the team 6 innings on a regular basis.
“A solid 6 takes the heat of the bullpen”, said Phillies 1st baseman Rhys Hoskins, “we have the best bullpen in the NL, and if we can keep them to 9 outs a night…look out!”

Another large factor was the addition of Otto Lopez. On a team of sluggers hitting under .230, Lopez hitting over .300 gives the team a consistent presence in the lead off spot.

“Otto and JT have been setting us up,” said Kyle Schwarber, “I just need to be a little more consistent knocking them in.”

The Phillies left fielder put it on his shoulders, but he could be discussing everyone in the middle of the line up. (see season stats below)

The Phillies have some short-term injuries to Harper and Castellanos to get over. They also lost their closer but a very deep bullpen, at least to this point in the season, seems ready to overcome.

A team that struggled to find itself for the first half of the season now finds itself in 1st with a 4-game lead over Washington. Every game in September will be big, if the Phils want another Red October.

[JudgeMetalTV]

The Phillies added three players from AAA to fill out expanded rosters and to replace injured closer Giovanny Gallegos.

3rd baseman Jonathan Guzman has shown above average power and strong defence in AAA. This has not translated to success in the majors yet though. Guzman is hitting just .152 for the Phils this season. Guzman is ranked as the #43 top prospect in baseball.

Dayeison Arias has pitched well at AAA (4-2, 15 saves 2.32 ERA) but has shown frustration at times for the lack of a big league spot. Now is the time for this 27 year old to show he belongs in the majors.

The Phillies sent disgruntled veteran Yu Darvish to Arizona for Brandon Pfaadt (6/20/24.) At AAA Lehigh Valley Pfaadt has been very effective (2-1, 16 saves 2.57 ERA.)

The Phillies were quiet at the trade deadline, many thought that was a mistake. Internally the Phillies thought they had already made the best moves the could weeks before the deadline. (Pfaadt, Lopez and Hancock)

Do the Phillies have the depth they need? The next 5 weeks will let us know.

[JudgeMetalTV]

The Phillies continue August's momentum with three straight wins to start the month. A win against the Cardinals and taking 2 of 3 against the Angels had the fan base fired up for playoff baseball.

But a three game sweep at the hands of the Milwaukee Brewers has put Washington back within striking distance, and oh by the way, the Braves are winning again...

This week starts with a 3 game set against the San Diego Padres. Currently the Padres are 2nd to the Dodgers in the West and occupying the top Wildcard spot in the NL. Lets go to San Diego for game one.

https://youtu.be/E3UANxQZBMk

[JudgeMetalTV]

September brings cooler weather and cooler bats for the Phillies. Red hot July and August has given way to inconsistent play at the plate, on the mound and in the field. The Phils took two of three in San Diego only to lose two of three at home against the Marlins.

The good news, the Phils have taken the first two against the rival Braves, something they must do to hang on and win the East.

Zach Wheeler will take the mound looking to get on track. The Phillies need their ace, and Wheeler needs a contract extension! There’s a lot riding on the next few weeks and today’s ballgame. Let’s head down to the field.

https://youtu.be/bVkyGM5FwBo

[JudgeMetalTV]

September is over and the Phillies have finally clinched a playoff spot. The division is still up for grabs with just 6 games to go.

In this weeks video we talk about a huge bat that will be missing from the Phillies line up for the rest of the regular season, we update the Phillies magic number for the division and take a look around the league at the overall playoff picture.

With 6 games to go what do the Phillies need to do and how will we cover the playoffs? All this and more in episode 5 of the Philadelphia Phillies Playoff Push, The Podcast

https://youtu.be/6n0QhepOW8M

[JudgeMetalTV]

The pennant has been won, the Philadelphia Phillies are champions of the National League East Division.

Reliever Jose Alvarado said his team is a "gritty and determined" club that were poised to win the division from day one.

"We knew the day the season opened that we'd be champions," he said. "It was just a matter of going out there and doing it."

At the helm, team manager Judge Metal said his club is certainly not short on confidence.

"There's a lot of belief in the dugout and in the clubhouse," he said.

Philadelphia's record currently sits at 86-72 and it's the 14th division win for the franchise.

[JudgeMetalTV]

The Phillies wrapped up the NL East title with an impressive 90 win season. With key victories over the Braves and Nationals down the stretch the Phillies won the East by 7 games.

The Nationals finished just 4 games over .500. The Nationals would appear to be underdogs, but these are dangerous underdogs. With Juan Soto, Juan Yepez and Luis Garcia combining for 102 Hr's the Nat's can score runs in bunches.

It's the Nat's young starters against the Phillies veterans, A patch work bullpen faces the Phillies best bullpen in the NL.

https://youtu.be/ejVD-H6ZKCY

[JudgeMetalTV]

With our Phillies making a quick exit from the 2024 playoffs we could all use some good news. That good news came from a pair of Phillies minor league prospects.

Victor Labrada took Eastern League by storm this year, and he did it all at the age of 24.

For his spectacular campaign, the Reading Fightin Phils star has been named the 2024 Eastern League Most Valuable Player Award recipient.

"To be considered amongst the best in the league is overwhelming," said the center fielder.

On the season he compiled a .301 batting average to go with a .374 on-base percentage. The native of Havana, Cuba also added 32 doubles, 20 triples, 11 home runs, 66 RBIs and 80 runs scored.

He received 10 first place votes out of a possible 12. Jace Jung of the Erie SeaWolves finished second in voting with 2 first place votes, while Connor Norby of the Bowie Baysox finished third.

Player - Team - First Place - Total Points
Victor Labrada - Reading Fightin Phils - 10 - 156
Jace Jung - Erie SeaWolves - 2 - 99
Connor Norby - Bowie Baysox - 0 - 94
T.J. McKenzie - Altoona Curve - 0 - 82
Bubba Thompson - Portland Sea Dogs - 0 - 79
Joe Gray Jr. - Binghamton Rumble Ponies - 0 - 66
Braxton Fulford - Hartford Yard Goats - 0 - 34
Sebastian Espino - Akron RubberDucks - 0 - 28
Maikol Escotto - Altoona Curve - 0 - 24
Mason Martin - Altoona Curve - 0 - 12
Kyle Harrison - Richmond Flying Squirrels - 0 - 11
Iverson Leonardo - Erie SeaWolves - 0 - 9
Bobby Dalbec - Portland Sea Dogs - 0 - 7
Jack-Thomas Wold - Akron RubberDucks - 0 – 7


He may have less experience than most of his Florida State League peers, but that didn't slow Colby Halter down at all in 2024.

At the age of 23, the Clearwater second baseman has been named the winner of the Florida State League Most Valuable Player Award.

He had a .371 batting average and a .420 on-base percentage this year. In 132 games he piled up 209 hits, 48 doubles, 13 triples, 11 home runs, 87 RBIs and 102 runs scored.

"I'm blown away by the season I was able to put together," he said. "I'm looking forward to trying to do it all again next year."

He received 6 first place votes out of a possible 10. Jasson Dominguez of the Tampa Tarpons finished second in voting with 3 first place votes, while Jack Suwinski of the Bradenton Marauders finished third with 1 first place vote.

Player - Team - First Place - Total Points
Colby Halter - Clearwater Threshers - 6 - 118
Jasson Dominguez - Tampa Tarpons - 3 - 100
Jack Suwinski - Bradenton Marauders - 1 - 92
Carlos Jorge - Daytona Tortugas - 0 - 65
Bryce Matthews - Clearwater Threshers - 0 - 65
Kala'i Rosario - Jupiter Hammerheads - 0 - 45
Jasiah Dixon - Bradenton Marauders - 0 - 35
Jordan Thompson - Lakeland Flying Tigers - 0 - 25
Brayden Jobert - Daytona Tortugas - 0 - 14
Michael Curialle - Palm Beach Cardinals - 0 - 10
Jake Burns - Lakeland Flying Tigers - 0 - 8
Kevin Parada - St. Lucie Mets - 0 - 5
Yiddi Cappe - Jupiter Hammerheads - 0 - 3
Brett Barrera - Tampa Tarpons - 0 - 2
Jack Moss - St. Lucie Mets - 0 - 2
Yerlin Confidan - Daytona Tortugas - 0 – 1

[JudgeMetalTV]

The championship aspirations of the Los Angeles Dodgers are still alive and well, while the St. Louis Cardinals are left to wait until next year.

Los Angeles won the clinching game of the League Championship Series 4-0 over St. Louis at Busch Stadium, to win the series 4-1.

"You feel like a little kid again, celebrating something like this," said right fielder Mookie Betts, who paced the Los Angeles offense and was named series MVP. "We take everything real seriously when we're on the field, but after a series is over you can finally relax a little bit."

Betts claimed the MVP by racking up 9 hits for a .562 average, with a .682 on-base percentage. He had 1 home runs, 4 RBI and scored 5 runs.

The Los Angeles Dodgers don't know who they will face in the next round. They will play the winner of the Texas Rangers - Chicago White Sox series. Texas leads the series 3 games to 2. The World Series is scheduled to begin on October 30th , 2024.



The Dodgers didn't have to wait long to know who they would be facing.



It was a rousing finish to the League Championship Series at Globe Life Field today.

The Chicago White Sox sent the Texas Rangers home for the season with a 7-2 win in the decisive game of the series.

The White Sox took the series 4-3. Up next on their schedule is the World Series.

Hauling in the MVP trophy was Chicago second baseman Adam Frazier. His numbers included a .321 batting average, 7 RBIs and 6 runs.

"With any luck, I'll be hoisting another one of these at the end of the World Series," he said.

The Chicago White Sox will play against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the next round. Los Angeles won their series against the St. Louis Cardinals 4 games to 1. The World Series is scheduled to begin on October 30th , 2024.

[JudgeMetalTV]

It was a hard-fought battle for both teams to make it this far. But as the saying goes, "to the victors go the spoils." For the victorious Los Angeles Dodgers, that meant the Major League Baseball World Series trophy.

The Dodgers took a 5-3 victory over the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field, winning their 8th championship after taking the series 4-1.

"We've got grit," said Dodgers shortstop Trea Turner, who was named MVP of the series. "We know how to win when we have to."

The new titleholders completed the regular season with a first-place finish in the National League West Division and a 109-53 record.

[JudgeMetalTV]

A 90 win season and a division title, followed by an exit from the playoffs that was so rapid there are rumors it caused a sonic boom, have Phillies management divided. Is this team a contender or is it time to move some folks while they still have value.

Coaching Changes
The first issue the Phillies could address after the Dodgers brought an end to the 2024 season was the coaching staff. Last season the Phillies brought in many new faces. The front office went all in on finding the best individual coaches they could find. One thing that was missing was how would these "great minds" mesh as a team. Turns out not so good, personal issues between coaches were obvious and broke down team cohesion.
This season the front office adjusted and embraced great coaches and great culture. Gone are familiar faces like Rob Thomson and Sam Fuld. The team has also brought in a new scouting director. Phillies new Asst GM Dayton Moore said, "we wanted fresh eyes on all of our players, we want a total re-evaluation of every player, and for that matter coach in the organization, Kris Kline has the experience and knowledge to get this done."
Another "new face" in the organization is the return of Brett Myers. The former Phillies pitcher has taken the managers job at AAA Lehigh Valley.

As mentioned earlier there is some dissention in the Front Office. Phillies owner John Middleton has publicly stated that he is not happy the team did not get an extension for Zach Wheeler.
Off the record comments from front office personnel point out that Wheeler was asking for over 20 million per year for 5 years. The team only has 22 million available for the upcoming season. Signing Zach Wheeler means there won't be any significant free agent signings this season. There was hope that following a few down seasons once Wheeler became a free agent the market would bring the price down to a more acceptable number for the team, so far that has not happened.

Another "new face" fans will see this spring training is Sixto Sanchez. The former Phillies top pitching prospect has returned to the team in a trade with the Marlins. Sixto returns to give the Phillies a young but MLB ready starter. In return the Marlin's get Alex Mcfarlane. Mcfarlane is a 23 year old pitcher with an outstanding fastball and slider. He can play both corner outfield positions and hits with some power (2 home runs in 2022).

In our next update we will look at who is on the radar in free agency and could there be a trade, perhaps a big trade in the future? What's the plan, is 2025 a playoff season or is the start of a rebuild?

[JudgeMetalTV]

Here are some key events since our last update:

Zach Wheeler has officially entered free agency causing some dissention in the Phillies front office.

Sixto Sanchez has returned. The former Phillies top pitching prospect has returned in a trade with the Marlins. Sanchez returns in exchange for 23 year old pitcher/outfielder Alex Mcfarlane. (See profile below). The move gives the Marlins a young pitcher with potential, The Phillies get rotation help now.

Rumors are circulating about a potential trade of Rafael Marchan to the Milwaukee Brewers. No specifics on who would be coming from the Brewers.

The Phillies have extended a contract offer to catcher Austin Nola, brother of Aaron Nola. This gives credibility to the trade rumors around Marchan. Sources say the offer to Nola was between 1-2 millions dollars for one year.

The Phillies have also extended a contract offer to Jayson Heyward. The 35 year old outfielder would bring a left handed bat and be an upgrade defensively in CF. No terms have been revealed.
Below is a list of free Agents and trade targets the Phillies are reported to have taken a "closer" look at recently.

With the return of Wheeler seeming like a long shot the team could be looking for a top of the rotation pitcher but with only 22 million available a top of the rotation guy could be out of reach.

For more in depth coverage listen to the Phillies 2024 Playoff Push Podcast

https://youtu.be/Om6q4nBoZAg

[JudgeMetalTV]

The Phillies made a series of early trades and free agency offers:

In a move that has fans in both cities buzzing, the Philadelphia Phillies and the Chicago Cubs have agreed to a deal that will have 18-year old minor league 1B Habrão Grunelius heading to Chicago in exchange for 34-year old SS Jose Iglesias.Grunelius is currently ranked as the #31 prospect in baseball. When initially signed as an International Free Agent he drew comparisons from some in the organization to Ryan Howard. Those comparisons have faded and Grunelius stock has fallen some nut is still expected to be a Major League 1B or DH in the future.
Iglesias is an outstanding defender that should go a long way in improving the Phillies infield and could turn out to be an offensive upgrade as well. During his career, Iglesias is hitting .272 with a total of 60 home runs.

Philadelphia and Milwaukee announced some roster changes today as the Phillies acquired 30-year old RHP David Bednar from the Brewers in exchange for 25-year old C Rafael Marchan. Representatives from both teams say they are pleased with the deal.
Marchan has a career .272 batting average with a .326 OBP. He has hit 5 homers, driven in 47 runs and scored 50 runs since he came into the league.
For his career, Bednar has picked up 15 wins and 16 losses with 56 saves, a 2.89 ERA and 340 strikeouts in 280 innings.

Overall the Winter Meetings were quiet for the Phillies. One event that did cause a stir with the front office was the signing of Zach Wheeler by the Yankees.
The New York Yankees have called a press conference later today to announce the signing of starting pitcher Zack Wheeler to a 4-year, $70,800,000 contract.
Both Wheeler and the Yankees are said to be very pleased to come to this agreement.
In his whole career, the 34-year-old Wheeler has won 88 and lost 75, piling up 1469 strikeouts and 477 walks in 1533.1 innings with a 3.87 ERA. Opponents have hit .253 against him. Wheeler signed with the Yankees for about 4 million a year less than what he was reported to be asking for from the Phillies. Phillies owner John Middleton had no comment.

[JudgeMetalTV]

Phillies right fielder Bryce Harper is recovering at a local hospital today and is reportedly in fair condition after suffering a severe electrical shock at his home yesterday. According to team officials Harper, had been doing some remodeling in his basement when he was electrocuted by an exposed wire. An initial report late last night indicated Harper was unconscious when an ambulance arrived and that he may have gone into cardiac arrest while being transported to the hospital, but that rumor could not be substantiated today. "Frankly, he's lucky to be alive," said teammate J.T. Realmuto, who visited Harper in the hospital this morning. "His doctors say his prognosis is very good, but he's gonna be out of commission for a little while." A hospital spokesman indicated that Harper will likely be released tomorrow. However, team officials suggest it may be at least a week before he will be allowed to return to full activity.