The Philadelphia Phillies are set to open spring training this week, with pitchers and catchers reporting to camp on Feb. 12. Their first spring training game follows just ten days later as the defending National League East champions will begin their quest for that elusive World Series championship. After a relatively quiet offseason, here are the five major questions facing the team heading into 2025.
Can the Phillies’ elite rotation stay healthy?
What impact will Andrew Painter have?
Will the Phillies offense find consistency?
The lineup looks formidable on paper: Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner, J.T. Realmuto, Nick Castellanos, Alec Bohm, and Bryson Stott. However, the offense’s tendency to disappear in crucial moments (see the 2024 NLDS against the New York Mets) and chase pitches outside the zone remains concerning. With only outfielder Max Kepler added this offseason, the core group must prove they can deliver when it matters most.
Can Jordan Romano replace Jeff Hoffman in the bullpen?
How will the Phillies manage J.T. Realmuto’s workload?
J.T. Realmuto has been remarkably durable, averaging 119 games behind the plate annually since 2015. However, knee surgery limited him to 99 games last season, and he turns 34 next month. While the Phillies aim to manage his workload, Realmuto enters his contract year so it will be hard to get him off his feet. Also, it’s a big drop off in production outside of Realmuto as the backup battle will consist of Rafael Marchan (who is out of options) and Garrett Stubbs (who still has an option remaining). It will be an intriguing issue to watch during the season.