The Philadelphia Phillies have already punched their ticket to the postseason and are fighting to secure a first-round bye.
A first-round bye would put the Phillies straight through to the National League Division Series. Rob Thomson’s squad has been one of the best teams in baseball this season and over the last few years.
The Phillies went to the World Series in 2022, but fell short to the Houston Astros. They lost in the National League Championship Series in 2023 and in the NLDS last year. FanSided’s Zachary Rotman thinks an early exit could lead to the Phillies rethinking who is managing the team.
“This might be unfair, since Zack Wheeler is out and who knows when Trea Turner will be back (or if he’ll be at 100 percent), but even without Wheeler, this might be this core’s last great chance to win it all,” wrote Rotman. “Another early exit, especially after what’s transpired each of the last two postseasons, could have the front office rethinking some things.”
The Phillies front office has remained aggressive after the World Series loss in 2022, and at some point, it has to result in a championship, or it’s all for nothing. The team acquired Jhoan Duran and Harrison Bader at the trade deadline, and both have played a huge role.
Thomson has shown he can get the team to the World Series, but he may need to win one to keep his job.
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