Countdown to Opening Day

You’ve heard of the so-called Super Bowl jinx. There’s a similar, if less talked about, pattern in baseball the Phillies are hoping to avoid.

It appeared only two spots were open on the Phillies’ pitching staff, but it turned out to be four.

Which Phillies might be poised for a leap in 2024? Who could be a breakout candidate? Our analysts gave their picks.

No longer new to Philly, Trea Turner and Nick Castellanos are better positioned for success in 2024 and are two hugely important pieces of the Phillies’ puzzle.

The Phillies haven’t liked to name a closer in recent years, though the job appeared to be Jose Alvarado’s last April before an elbow injury in May. Will he get the first chance in 2024?

J.T. Realmuto is one of the best catchers in baseball with by far the biggest workload. He’s approaching the age when many have declined. How much longer can he keep it going?

Kyle Schwarber in the leadoff spot has been a debate in Philly the last two seasons and remains a hot-button topic as March 28 approaches.

Justin Crawford is one of the Phillies’ most exciting prospects and it didn’t take long for him to flash his skill set in their inaugural Spring Breakout game.

The Phillies added another veteran outfielder in Jordan Luplow, who will compete with a handful of players for a spot on their bench.

One of sports’ top clutch performers and showmen, Bryce Harper is still just 31 years old with plenty of time to achieve feats rarely seen in MLB history.

Aggressiveness at the plate is in the Phillies’ DNA and there’s no denying it led to their 2023 downfall. It’s an issue they’re focused on correcting, but that work looks different for each player.

The Phillies are focused on playing better out of the gate after disappointing in the first two months the last two seasons, but recent history shows it might not matter.