Several Phillies players made a strong impression this spring, showcasing improvements that could significantly impact the season.
Cristopher Sánchez displayed Cy Young-caliber potential with dominant command and increased velocity, while Max Kepler thrived at the plate after making mechanical adjustments. Now fully healthy, Bryson Stott looked poised to return to his 2023 form, adding even more depth to Philadelphia’s lineup.
Meanwhile, José Alvarado's overpowering velocity made him one of the hardest throwers in baseball, and Brandon Marsh showed progress against left-handed pitching—an area the Phillies hope he can continue to improve. If these players can keep their momentum into the regular season, they could be key contributors to the team’s success, putting Philadelphia in a strong position for a playoff push in 2025.
Anyone looking to place a friendly wager should consider betting on Sánchez to finish among the top five contenders for the NL Cy Young Award. His performance this spring was nothing short of dominant, showcasing the kind of elite pitching that could make him a serious candidate for the honor.
Over 16 2/3 innings, he struck out 19 batters while issuing just two walks, demonstrating exceptional command. More impressively, he surrendered only three earned runs, further solidifying his status as one of the most promising arms in the league.
A key factor in Sánchez’s success has been the increased velocity of his sinker, which averaged 96.3 mph during the spring—an uptick from last season’s 94.5 mph and last spring’s 94.4 mph. This jump in velocity suggests improved physical conditioning and the potential for sustained dominance throughout the season.
Sánchez is confident that he can maintain this velocity deep into games and over an entire season. If he does, it will make his changeup—already considered one of the best in baseball—even more unhittable, as the added separation in speed will make it even harder for hitters to adjust.
He also believes his slider has improved, adding another weapon to his arsenal. With these enhancements to his repertoire, Sánchez appears poised to take a significant step forward, making him a legitimate threat in the Cy Young race.
This spring, he delivered an electrifying performance, striking out 20 batters while allowing just three walks over nine dominant innings. Nine innings! His overpowering velocity was on full display, as he fired 44 pitches at 100 mph or more—an eye-popping total that puts him among the hardest throwers in baseball.
José Alvarado is crucial to the Phillies' success, and his dominance in high-leverage situations could significantly boost their chances of winning. Betting lines, such as FanDuel MLB odds, often reflect a team’s potential based on individual performances like his. To put his impact into perspective, only one pitcher across all of spring training threw more triple-digit pitches—Arizona’s Justin Martinez, who recorded 55. If Alvarado maintains this form, he could be a game-changer in the Phillies’ push for a deep postseason run.
Stott put together a strong offensive showing this spring, batting .268 with two home runs, eight RBIs, and a .859 OPS. More notably, he made significant strides in his ability to drive the ball, posting an average exit velocity of 89.3 mph—an increase from his career average of 87.7 mph. His improved approach at the plate was also reflected in his patience, as he drew 13 walks and posted an impressive .444 on-base percentage.
For much of last season, Stott played through a right elbow injury, which he believes led to the development of bad habits in his swing. Now healthy, he can return to the form he displayed in 2023. If he does, opposing pitchers will face an even more significant challenge navigating the Phillies’ already dangerous lineup.
Marsh turned in a solid spring performance, batting .256 with one double, one home run, five RBIs, and a .822 OPS. His plate discipline stood out, as he led the team with 15 walks, contributing to a substantial .463 on-base percentage.
One of the most promising takeaways from his spring performance was his success against left-handed pitching, a key area of focus for the Phillies. He posted a 1.139 OPS against lefties, going 4-for-9 with a double, three walks, and two strikeouts. These results suggest meaningful progress in an area where the team hopes to see continued improvement.
Marsh’s success didn’t come against weak competition, either. He doubled and walked against Yankees left-hander Carlos Rodón on February 27, faced off against Garrett Crochet the next day, walked against Shane McClanahan on March 6, and delivered two singles against reigning AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal on March 15 at BayCare Ballpark. His ability to hold his own against top-tier lefties suggests he may be ready for an expanded role in the Phillies’ lineup.
Kepler delivered an outstanding offensive performance, batting .375 (15-for-40) with three doubles, three home runs, 11 RBIs, 10 walks, and nine strikeouts, resulting in an impressive 1.175 OPS. Among the 189 players with at least 25 batted balls in play, his average exit velocity of 95.6 mph ranked 12th, highlighting the power behind his swings.
Such performances are essential when considering MLB Game Predictions and Stats , as they provide important data for analysts and fans tracking trends and player impact. Kepler, now fully healthy after abdominal repair surgery in October, appears to be benefitting from mechanical adjustments to his swing. Early results suggest that these tweaks are paying off, helping him perform at a high level early in the season.
Previously considered a key piece of Minnesota's lineup, Kepler now finds himself in a more complementary role with the Phillies. This shift in expectations could work to his advantage, potentially allowing him to play with a freer mindset and unlock his full potential.
With the regular season underway, the Phillies will count on these players to translate their spring success into sustained production. If Sánchez continues to dominate on the mound, Kepler and Stott build on their offensive improvements, and Alvarado and Marsh capitalize on their progress, the team could be poised for a deep postseason run. Their performances will not only shape the Phillies’ season but could also elevate them into serious contenders in the National League.
