The Phillies have a clear bounce-back candidate for 2025 who could reshape their lineup. Bryson Stott, once seen as a future star at second base after flashes of brilliance in his rookie season and a strong start to 2023, is looking to rebound after a challenging 2024 campaign.
Team president Dave Dombrowski revealed that Stott battled a persistent elbow injury throughout 2024, which hindered his performance. His OPS dipped from .747 in 2023 to .671 in 2024. Despite this, the 27-year-old has shown stretches of elite play, notably maintaining a .300 batting average deep into 2023 and finishing that season with a 4.3 bWAR, the best of his career.
Stott’s ability to grind out at-bats and frustrate pitchers with long, drawn-out plate appearances makes him a unique threat. Known for his low whiff percentage and strong two-strike hitting, he consistently ranks among the league’s best in these areas. A healthy Stott in 2025 could bring the Phillies a much-needed spark, particularly in addressing one of their lineup’s long-standing questions: Kyle Schwarber’s role as a leadoff hitter. While Schwarber’s power is undeniable, Stott’s bat-to-ball skills, low strikeout rate, and knack for working counts make him a compelling alternative.
In a star-studded lineup featuring power hitters like Bryce Harper and Nick Castellanos, Stott’s balanced approach provides a critical counterbalance. His ability to get on base and set the table deepens the lineup, creating more opportunities for the heavy hitters to shine. Whether batting leadoff or elsewhere, Stott’s versatility could be a game-changer.
As the Phillies aim to bolster their postseason chances, much of their success may hinge on contributions from within the organization. A healthy and consistent Bryson Stott could be the key to transforming their lineup and driving them to greater success in 2025.
Leave a Reply