The Phillies have been busy this off season. For the first time ever, owner John Middleton decide to spend over the luxury tax. He added two big bats to surround 2021 MVP Bryce Harper in Kris Schwarbar and Nick Castellanos. On paper the the Phillies have one of the most dangerous lineups in all the MLB. The question remains do they have enough pitching? This is important as you could argue, pitching still wins championships.
At the top of the rotation you have Zach Wheeler. Last year, Wheeler was borderline CY Young Award worthy. Can he repeat the same success in 2022 remains to be seen. Aaron Nola has been inconsistent and you can’t be certain he will return to his All-Star form. Kyle Gibson is solid but is more of a 4-5 guy in the rotation instead of being relied on as a 3. Ranger Suarez was a pleasant surprise last season but he has not been a starting pitcher long enough to really know what he’ll be. Then you have Zack Eflin who is returning from injury.
If Zach Wheeler can pitch at a cy young level again, Aaron Nola returns to all star form, and Ranger Suarez continues his success from last season who have a solid 1-3 with a decent 4-5 options with Kyle Gibson and Zach Eflin. That itself might be enough with the Phillies potential lineup but if one of the top 3 pitchers fails to live up to expectations the team may have to explore a mid season trade. Also, the bullpen remains a question mark like every season. Luckily, opening day will be here before we know it and questions shall be answered soon.