The Philadelphia Phillies’ infield faces some uncertainty heading into the offseason. The current starting lineup, consisting of Bryce Harper, Bryson Stott, Alec Bohm, and Trea Turner, may stay intact. Bohm is being considered as a potential trade candidate, while Stott is less likely to be traded but still in the conversation. Although moving either Bohm or Stott could be challenging, adjustments are needed this offseason.
Phillies President of Baseball Operations, Dave Dombrowski, suggested during the end-of-season press conference that the infield is expected to remain unchanged, according to MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki. However, the Phillies have flexibility to make changes at two infield positions.
Phillies Face Uncertainty at Some Infield Positions This Offseason
Catcher
J.T. Realmuto is expected to return as the starting catcher for the Phillies unless there’s a significant roster change. His current contract runs through 2025, and a short-term extension this offseason is possible. One of Philadelphia’s priorities is improving the catching depth behind him. Rafael Marchán, who is out of minor league options, is likely to be the backup catcher. Garrett Stubbs, on the other hand, is expected to be non-tendered, as reported by Matt Gelb of The Athletic, though he does have one minor league option left. Gelb also noted that Phillies President Dave Dombrowski stated the team aims to reduce Realmuto’s workload in 2025.
Marchán is the probable backup for 2025 after impressing while Realmuto was injured. He posted a .294/.345/.549 slash line with three home runs and six RBIs in 17 games in 2024, along with a 146 wRC+ and a .300 BABIP. In comparison, Stubbs struggled with a .207/.296/.262 slash line, one home run, 11 RBIs in 56 games, a 63 wRC+, and a .289 BABIP. Despite Stubbs’ underperformance, he might be retained for depth.
First Base
Bryce Harper posted a .285/.373/.525 slash line with 30 home runs and 87 RBIs in 145 games this season, along with a 145 wRC+ and a .331 BABIP. He is set to remain the Phillies’ starting first baseman for the foreseeable future. The 145 games played were his highest total since his first year with the team in 2019, when he appeared in 157 games. This season also marked his first All-Star selection as a Phillie. As the Phillies’ primary star heading into 2025 and beyond, Harper solidifies the infield, with no uncertainty at first base.
In his first full season at first base, Harper earned recognition as an NL Gold Glove finalist. He tallied five Defensive Runs Saved, seven Outs Above Average, and a Fielding Run Value of five at the position. These defensive metrics surpass his numbers at any other position he’s played, indicating a smooth transition from the outfield. Harper has quickly excelled defensively at first base, and he’s expected to continue improving as he gains more experience at the position.
Second Base
Bryson Stott finds himself in an intriguing situation. From a roster perspective, he is one of the more tradable starting position players. Heading into his age-27 season, Stott remains under team control through 2027. However, he experienced a regression in 2024, posting a .245/.315/.356 slash line with 11 home runs and 57 RBIs over 148 games. His 88 wRC+ and .275 BABIP also declined compared to his 2023 performance.
On the defensive side, Stott improved his Defensive Runs Saved at second base, but he saw a decrease in both Outs Above Average and Fielding Run Value. Despite these drops, his defense remained solid enough to earn him a Gold Glove finalist spot.
There are no clear options to replace Bryson Stott in free agency, but potential trade targets could offer an upgrade at second base. One strong candidate is Cincinnati Reds infielder Jonathan India. In 2024, India ranked in the 98th percentile in chase rate, according to Baseball Savant, while Stott ranked only in the 50th percentile. India’s discipline at the plate would help address the Phillies’ chase rate issue, which has been a key factor in their postseason struggles.
India, heading into his age-28 season, is under team control through 2026, making him an attractive option for Philadelphia to improve both offensively and defensively.
Third Base
Alec Bohm had a breakout season in 2024, posting a .280/.332/.448 slash line with 15 home runs and 97 RBIs over 140 games, along with a 115 wRC+ and a .305 BABIP. He also showed improvement defensively at third base. However, Bohm’s performance dipped in the second half of the season, and he was benched during Game 2 of the NLDS, with Edmundo Sosa starting at third base instead. Known for pushing himself harder than any other player on the team, this intense drive sometimes seems to affect Bohm’s performance. A change of scenery could potentially benefit him moving forward.
Alec Bohm’s career stats with Runners in Scoring Position:
574 AB | 179 H | 30 2B | 15 HR | 261 RBI | 53 BB | 101 K | .312/.363/.446pic.twitter.com/ne18WckmQs
— Phillies Tailgate (@PhilsTailgate) October 20, 2024
Shortstop
While a position change for Trea Turner is expected during his contract, it won’t happen in 2025, as Phillies President Dave Dombrowski confirmed during his press conference, according to Todd Zolecki. Turner has struggled defensively since joining the Phillies, accumulating -26 Defensive Runs Saved, -8 Outs Above Average, and a -5 Fielding Run Value. He is the only qualified shortstop with a double-digit negative Defensive Runs Saved total during this period. Keeping him at shortstop through his contract, which runs until 2033, isn’t a sustainable option.
Aidan Miller is viewed as the Phillies’ long-term solution at shortstop. Once Miller is ready for the majors, Turner is expected to move to another position, with second base being the most likely option, though some have suggested left field. MLB Pipeline projects Miller to be ready by 2027. In the minors this season, Miller posted a .261/.366/.446 line with 11 home runs, 60 RBIs, and 23 stolen bases. Either Miller or Starlyn Caba is expected to be the Phillies’ future shortstop.
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