After a dismal 9-19 start that included a 10-game losing streak, everything changed for the Phillies on April 28. After serving in five seasons as the team’s manager, Rob Thomson was fired amidst the team’s massive underperformance. Bench coach Don Mattingly took over as the interim manager. In his first game later that day, the Phillies shut out the Giants, 7-0. 

Nobody knew it at the time, but that moment would spark a pivotal turnaround for the team. Since then, the Phillies have gone 38-19, jumping from well out of a playoff spot to right behind the Braves for a division title. Now heading into July with a much different outlook on the season, it’s time to identify some goals for the team with the All-Star Break on the horizon.

Low Importance: Match the 2024 Phillies in All-Star Representatives

The 2024 Phillies sent seven players to the All-Star Game, including starters Alec Bohm, Bryce Harper, and Trea Turner. Starting pitchers Zack Wheeler, Christopher Sanchez, and Ranger Suarez, while bullpen arms Jeff Hoffman and Matt Strahm were also selected.

With results in from Phase 1 of All-Star Game voting, we have an idea of what Phillies may get in as members of the starting lineup. Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber will surprisingly not advance, but could be named as reserves later. Philadelphia will get three potential starters, however. 

Alec Bohm, along with potential first-time All-Stars Brandon Marsh and Bryson Stott, all moved on to Phase 2 of voting. Bohm will contend against the Dodgers’ Max Muncy, and Stott will go against the Braves’ Ozzie Albies. Marsh is in the thick of a loaded outfield competition, competing with Andy Pages, Teoscar Hernandez (Dodgers), Juan Soto (Mets), Michael Harris II, and Ronald Acuna Jr. (Braves).

Marsh will have the strongest case to move on. With the top three outfielders moving on to the starting lineup, he finds himself third or better among the starting candidates in:

• Batting average: .319 (1st)
• Slugging percentage: .511 (2nd)
• wRC+: 135 (2nd)
  
• OPS: .863 (2nd)

Despite lackluster face-value stats, Bryson Stott’s numbers since voting began on June 3 have given serious strength to his argument. Stott is slashing .299/.379/.455 (.834 OPS) since then, with nine of his 23 hits going for extra bases. Any of these players who are not named starters could be named as reserves or injury replacements in the future. As for pitchers, Zack Wheeler, Cristopher Sanchez, and Jhoan Duran have built strong cases to be in the Midsummer Classic. 

Medium Importance: Identify Possible Deadline Trade Targets

At last year’s trade deadline, the Phillies made a pair of impactful trades that helped them seal the NL East. Harrison Bader became a sparkplug in the Phillies lineup instantly (50 games, .305 average, .824 OPS, 1.3 bWAR). Meanwhile, Jhoan Duran has continued to establish himself as one of the league’s best relievers.

Who could be a high-impact addition this year? MLB Trade Rumors recently released their first list of the top 35 trade candidates this summer. While the Phillies likely won’t be in play for some of the top names who could be traded, some notable candidates could add depth to the lineup or rotation.

Taylor Ward has been a popular trade candidate since his time with the Angels. Although he’s seen a stark power drop-off this year, Ward has had one of his most productive offensive seasons. A more disciplined approach has led to a career-best 16.9% walk rate and a 13.2% chase rate, putting him near the top of the league in both stats.

There should be bountiful starters available for the Phillies, who could certainly use the depth. Tarik Skubal is a likely trade target, though even as a one-year rental, his cost will likely be too high. Sonny Gray and Joe Ryan are stronger rotation arms available, though they, too, will likely carry a high price tag. 

Could some mid-tier options be a better fit for a team not necessarily looking for an ace? Some of the better middle-of-the-rotation players include Reid Detmers, Jose Soriano, Robbie Ray, and Dustin May. Each bring their own set of positives, but also some notable flaws. However, they would go a long way in fortifying the Phillies’ rather top-heavy rotation.

High Importance: Establish Strong Hold On a Postseason Spot

Almost two months ago, the Phillies were 16-20, hoping to be in playoff contention by the All-Star Break. A deficit that sat at 7.5 games on June 16 has now shrunk to 3.5 games in just over 10 days. They currently hold the top Wild Card spot, sitting a game above the Cubs in a tight competition.

Six teams are within five games of the last Wild Card position. The Phillies have a 1.5 game lead over the Padres (third Wild Card team) for the top spot. While that race is very tight, the Phillies should be able to at least stay as one of the three teams by season’s end. The more interesting race will be the division title. 

With the Phillies rapidly closing the gap on Atlanta, a third consecutive NL East crown is certainly in the cards. They’ve been able to take advantage of an uncharacteristically poor month for the Braves. On offense, in June, Atlanta finds themselves at or near the bottom of the league in:

• BB%: 6.5% (29th)
• HR: 19 (tied-30th)
• Runs: 72 (tied-30th)
• OPS: .625 (30th)
• wRC+: 72 (30th)

Pitching has been a different story, as they’ve remained roughly middle-of-the-pack. The Braves’ 4.10 team ERA ranks 11th in baseball, one spot above the Phillies at 4.21. However, they’re bottom 10 in both strikeout (20.6%, 8th worst) and walk rate (9.4%, 7th highest). 

There’s a clear shift in momentum happening. Over their last 30 games, the Phillies have been one of baseball’s best teams with a 19-11 record. Atlanta, meanwhile, has faltered to a poor 13-17. Over their last 20 games, the performance gap is equally distinct. Philly is 12-8; Atlanta is 7-13, the third-worst record in that time.

The Phillies enter July with some of the most optimism they have had all season. With a dramatic shift in the team’s outlook for 2026, some clear goals exist to fulfill. But now, after digging themselves out of the hole they started the year in, and playing some very exciting (and historic) baseball recently, things look to be shaping up for another Red October in Philadelphia.

*Stats as of June 27*

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