The Phillies are NL East champions and have secured a 1st round bye in this year's playoffs. The Phillies and their fans have one goal this year. They want to avenge their 2022 World Series and 2023 NLCS defeats and they want to win it all this year. There is no questioning the Phillies have the lineup and the pitching to get it done. However, with plenty of sloppy play in the 2nd half of the season, there are some questioning if this team will be able to get it done.
You can look at any of the guys on the Phillies roster and say, "he needs to step up if they want to win." This team is full of game changing stars in all aspects of the game. However, when you really look at this roster, there are 3 players that I see as the key players to this World Series run.
Carlos Estevez
The Phillies biggest pick-up at this year's trade deadline. Estevez has moved into the Phillies closer role and has immediate success. While with the Phillies he has 6 saves and only 2 blown saves. Between his time with the Angels and the Phillies he has 26 saves and 6 blown saves in all of 2024.
When you look at his outings a little closer one thing that is noteworthy is he allowed a base runner in a majority of his outings. The Phillies biggest frustration with last year's playoff run was how their closer became a major liability and blew multiple games anytime his name was called.
Estevez has gotten lucky with his performances so far. In close games in the playoff, it is key for him to get out there and go 1-2-3. With every game a must win and the competition only getting harder. Allowing walks and hits in the 9th inning is the last thing the Phillies need. I am not saying Estevez needs to pitch like Mariano Rivera, but he needs to be lights out when he enters the game
Ranger Suarez
I can't believe I have to even talk about him after the insane start to his season. Ranger started the season 9-0 and was named an All-star for the first time in his career. Ranger has suffered some injuries this season and has 2 wins and 7 losses since June 8th. Just in September alone in 5 starts he has given up15 earned runs, 12 walks, 31 hits, in just 22.1 innings pitched.
Ranger has pitched better than any other Phillie in the last two playoff runs. He has one of the best career ERA's in playoff history for all MLB pitchers. Right now, Ranger is a giant concern for the Phillies. The team has a very strong rotation with Ranger, Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, and Cristopher Sanchez. If I am the Phillies, Ranger would not be one of the top 3 pitchers for the NLDS. If Ranger was just pitching average, I would say there is not much concern for him. However, Ranger looks like a completely different pitcher and my confidence in him is slim right now.
JT Realmuto
The best catcher in baseball is an x factor for the Phillies? 10000% yes, he is. Him offensively and defensively are two keys for the Phillies in their upcoming playoff run.
I've said all year long that JT does not get enough credit for the success the Phillies rotation and bullpen has had the last couple of years. JT can call a great game behind the plate. He has great success with all the entire pitching staff every single night (except Taijuan Walker). JT is going to need to continue calling great games behind the plate. That is obviously easier said than done, but the pitching has been successful, and he is a great reason for that. With every game and every inning super important, JT and Rob Thomson need to be on the same page on when it is time to go to the bullpen each and every game. I trust JT behind the plate and so should Rob.
When it comes to how JT can influence a game defensively as a catcher. JT has one of the best pop times in MLB and can without question taking away any stealing threats by the opposing teams. By keeping runners on 1st and no concern for steals, Phillies pitchers will love one less stressor.
JT is having one of his better year's hitting. Before he was sidelined with a knee injury, JT was set to have one of his best year's hitting with the Phillies. JT has had some big hits the last two postseasons. Now with him towards the bottom of the lineup, it is still very important that he is able to keep that bottom 3rd of the lineup going. We all know what the top of the Phillies lineup can and will do to an opposing pitcher. However, with plenty of contact hitters and not many power hitters right in front of him in the lineup, it will be key for JT to be able to drive in those runs. The Phillies have struggled with hitting with RISP, JT will have plenty of opportunities to hit with RISP during this postseason.
The Phillies have the roster to win it all this year. They feed off the Citizens Bank Park crowd and on top of that they know what needs to happen to win it all. We all know the stars like Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, and Zack Wheeler need to deliver. There is no question that they will and if they have an off game there are other stars like Nick Castellanos, Alec Bohm, and Jeff Hoffman who can easily step up and be the hero. However, Estevez, Ranger, and JT are the biggest key factors in this year's playoffs. If those 3 are successful then we are partying down Broad Street.
-Adam Mack
@AdamTheMack
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