Three Bold Predictions For Phillies This Season
The Philadelphia Phillies have played only two games. They've lost twice.
There are still 160 to go in the regular season plus hopefully a deep playoff run again.
The Phillies have already been stung with adversity and injuries to Bryce Harper and Rhys Hoskins.
Between now and October – before the playoffs – the Phillies will surely experience more highs than lows.
Here are three bold predictions:
Kyle Schwarber will be in the mix for National League Most Valuable Player. Schwarber hit an NL-leading 46 home runs last season while hitting mostly out of the leadoff position. With Trea Turner joining the Phillies in the offseason for an 11-year, $300 million contract, Schwarber will have even more opportunities to hit for power and drive in runs. When Harper returns likely between mid-May and mid-July, Schwarber should have even more pitches to hit.
Zack Wheeler will be a strong candidate for the NL Cy Young winner even though Aaron Nola was the Phillies’ Opening Day starter once again. Wheeler has been extremely consistent and one of the best free agent pitcher signings in franchise history. Even if he has a bad outing, like he did on Saturday, he almost always bounces back. Look for Wheeler to produce in a big way, keep the Phillies in almost every game and be among the candidates for the Cy Young.
Trea Turner will hit at least 20 home runs, drive in 100 runs and steal 20 bases. Turner was incredible in the World Baseball Classic and it was easy to see why the Phillies made him a top free agent target. He’s going to anchor the top of the lineup while also being Gold Glove caliber at shortstop. It won’t take long for the passionate Phillies fan base to don Turner jerseys in droves.
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