Phillies Aim for Redemption After Past Postseason Disappointments

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — The Philadelphia Phillies have built a remarkable regular-season record, culminating in a 95-win campaign in 2024, which secured them the National League East title for the first time since 2011. This achievement comes on the heels of their 66-win season in 2017, with a steady increase in victories each year. However, despite their regular-season success, the Phillies have struggled in the postseason, exiting early for two consecutive years.

In the 2023 postseason, the Phillies led the National League Championship Series 3-2 over the Arizona Diamondbacks but lost both remaining games. This setback followed their earlier exit in the 2024 National League Division Series, where they fell in four games to the Miami Marlins. The team is now facing the pressure of needing to convert their impressive regular season performances into playoff success.

“Everything about the Phillies this season is geared toward October. Can they play well when it matters most and finish the job?” wrote one analyst reflecting on the team’s ambitions for the current season.

As the 2025 season begins, the Phillies retained nearly their entire roster from the previous year, making only a slight adjustment with Max Kepler stepping in as the starting right fielder. They also bolstered their pitching staff by acquiring Jesus Luzardo, enhancing what is considered one of the best rotations in baseball.

Manager Dave Dombrowski has navigated a few significant changes, including the loss of bullpen arms Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estevez but has secured Jordan Romano‘s services to strengthen the relief corps. Orion Kerkering and Jose Alvarado are expected to step up into key roles.

Despite some offseason successes, doubts linger about whether these changes are enough to overcome the team’s recent playoff failures. As opening day approached, the Phillies secured a dramatic extra-inning victory against the New York Mets, sparking optimism for the season ahead.

This year, the National League is packed with tough competition, particularly within the East Division, where three teams—including the Phillies—are positioned to vie for postseason placement. The overarching goal remains clear: a return to the World Series, where the franchise last celebrated a championship in 2008.

“The Phillies have been knocking on the door, will add at the deadline, and have a good amount of star power with proven veterans at the top of the rotation,” noted an NL executive, highlighting the team’s potential. Meanwhile, the offseason moves made by their primary competitor, the Los Angeles Dodgers, have raised the bar even higher, setting the stage for inevitable high-stakes matchups.

Last season, the two teams seemed destined to meet in the National League Championship Series, only to be thwarted by the underdog Diamondbacks. With a complete roster and high-caliber pitching, the Phillies enter the 2025 season ready to challenge once more for October glory.