It must be frustrating for the Philadelphia Phillies to have a starting rotation featuring five potential Cy Young candidates and still not be considered the best pitching staff in Major League Baseball. Despite having one of the most impressive rotations in the game, the Phillies find themselves in second place behind the Los Angeles Dodgers, a team that has long been a powerhouse in the league. According to MLB.com’s recent rankings of the top-10 pitching staffs, the Dodgers secured the top spot, with the Phillies close behind in second.
The Dodgers have established themselves as a model of pitching excellence, and this year, their staff only appears to be getting stronger. With Shohei Ohtani, Tyler Glasnow, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto leading the charge, their rotation was already loaded with talent. But adding even more firepower with pitchers like Roki Sasaki, Blake Snell, and Tanner Scott has made their rotation nearly unbeatable. This level of depth has kept the Dodgers in the conversation as the top pitching staff in MLB, and it’s hard to argue with that claim.
However, the Phillies have built a rotation that is just as capable of competing with, and potentially surpassing, the Dodgers. While their pitching staff may not have the same depth, the potential for greatness is undeniable. Experts believe that if the Phillies stay healthy, their rotation could prove to be the best in baseball this season.
At the heart of the Phillies’ rotation are Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola, two pitchers who have been among the best in the game for years. Together, they form one of the most formidable one-two punches in MLB. Both are capable of dominating games, providing the team with an opportunity to win every time they take the mound.
The Phillies also have exciting young talent in Cristopher Sanchez, who had a breakout year last season. Sanchez has continued to impress this spring, with his fastball now regularly reaching 97 MPH, up from 94.5 MPH last year. If he can maintain this increased velocity, he could become a serious threat to opposing batters. Ranger Suarez, who was a Cy Young candidate earlier in the season last year, is looking to bounce back after struggling towards the end of the year. If he returns to his previous form, he will further strengthen the rotation.
The addition of Jesus Luzardo from the Miami Marlins also adds significant depth to the Phillies’ staff. Luzardo has battled injuries in recent seasons, but his potential remains high. If he can stay healthy, he could be a game-changer for the Phillies.
In addition to the starting rotation, the Phillies’ bullpen could also play a key role in their success. While the bullpen underperformed last season, it has the potential to be one of the team’s greatest strengths this year. Relievers like Jordan Romano, Matt Strahm, Orion Kerkering, Jose Alvarado, and Tanner Banks are all expected to contribute. Romano, in particular, could be a key X-factor. After an injury-plagued 2024 season with the Toronto Blue Jays, Romano has a lot to prove. From 2020 to 2023, he posted an impressive 2.29 ERA and earned an ERA+ of 184. If he can return to his former dominant self, Romano could provide the Phillies with an elite closer.
In conclusion, while the Phillies may not be at the top of MLB’s pitching rankings right now, their rotation and bullpen have the potential to be the best in baseball by season’s end. With Wheeler and Nola leading the charge, Sanchez and Luzardo offering high upside, and a bullpen ready to rebound, the Phillies have all the ingredients needed to challenge the Dodgers for pitching supremacy. If the staff stays healthy and performs to its full potential, the Philadelphia Phillies could emerge as the team to beat in 2025.