Everybody is talking about the New York Mets and the Atlanta Braves as the two prime candidates to win the NL East.
And they are right: the rest of the division may not be able to keep up with them on talent alone.
However, we shouldn’t sleep on the Philadelphia Phillies, and we most certainly shouldn’t rule them out as a potential playoff team in 2022.
Yes, they may not win the division, but with the expanded playoffs format, they at least have a chance to swoop in and join the party.
Two of their offseason acquisitions are already starting the fireworks.
“Kyle Schwarber hit a home run to right. Nick Castellanos hit a home run to left. THIS IS GOING TO BE A FUN SEASON FOR THE PHILLIES,” ‘Mattadelphia,’ who writes for The Good Phight blog, tweeted on Monday.
Kyle Schwarber hit a home run to right.
Nick Castellanos hit a home run to left.
THIS IS GOING TO BE A FUN SEASON FOR THE PHILLIES.
— Matt (@matttadelphia) March 28, 2022
The Phillies didn’t bring in too much help in the pitching department, other than star reliever Corey Knebel and fellow bullpen arms Jeurys Familia and Brad Hand.
The Offense Looks Like A Solid Unit
The offense, however, received some high-profile reinforcements.
Castellanos and Schwarber are both capable of hitting home runs by the dozen, and are incredible offensive machines with high-OBPs and slugging prowess.
They are joining a lineup that already has the 2021 NL MVP Bryce Harper, slugger Rhys Hoskins, and catcher JT Realmuto.
Jean Segura offers some balance, while Alec Bohm provides the upside.
Overall, it may not be enough to take a really tough division, but we shouldn’t completely rule out a postseason berth, especially if Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler (currently injured, though) can carry the rotation.
Watch out for the Phillies.
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