Bryson Stott’s Quiet Evolution Could Spark a Breakout 2026 for the Phillies
For years, Bryson Stott has hovered in that tricky space between solid contributor and full-blown breakout star. He’s shown flashes-especially when the lights are brightest in October-but consistency at the plate has eluded him. That might be about to change.
The Phillies’ second baseman enters 2026 with something he hasn’t had in a while: momentum. Not the kind that comes from a hot week or two, but the kind that stems from real, tangible adjustments at the plate-ones that started to pay off late last season.
In 2025, Stott made a subtle tweak to his swing mechanics that could end up being the turning point in his career. He lowered his hands in his stance, and the results were immediate.
Before the change, he was hitting just .234 with a .636 OPS. Afterward?
A .294 average and an .855 OPS in the second half. That’s not just a hot streak-that’s a hitter who found something that works.
But the swing change was only part of the story. Stott also made a concerted effort to improve his plate discipline, and the numbers back that up.
His chase rate dropped to 23.3%, the lowest it’s been since his rookie season in 2022. He also saw more pitches per plate appearance than ever before, signaling a more mature, patient approach at the plate.
Even so, his overall line-.257 average, .719 OPS-was modest. But dig a little deeper, and there’s reason to believe that 2026 could be the year he puts it all together.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Stott’s offensive profile is his performance on first pitches. He’s aggressive early in counts, and when he swings at the first pitch, he hits a scorching .366.
At the same time, when he lays off and works the count, his OPS jumps to .948 after taking the first pitch. That balance-knowing when to jump and when to wait-could be the key to unlocking his next level.
And there’s another wrinkle that could play in his favor this season: the introduction of MLB’s ABS (Automated Ball-Strike) challenge system. Stott has statistically been one of the Phillies’ hitters most impacted by borderline calls in previous seasons. With the new system in place, he could benefit from a more consistent strike zone-especially given his improved eye at the plate.
Defensively, there’s never been much doubt. Stott has been a rock at second base, and his glove continues to be one of the more underrated parts of his game. He’s not just steady-he’s a Gold Glove finalist who rarely makes mistakes and provides a sense of calm in the middle infield.
But this season, the pressure is on. Not just because of his own expectations or the team’s postseason ambitions, but because of who’s coming up behind him.
Aidan Miller, the Phillies’ No. 2 prospect, is knocking on the door. Miller’s bat has been loud throughout his rise in the minors, and while shortstop is his natural position, that spot is locked down by Trea Turner.
That means second base could be Miller’s path to the big leagues-and Stott’s job is the one under the microscope.
The Phillies aren’t in a rush to make a change. Stott’s glove gives him a floor that’s hard to replace, and if the offensive strides he made in 2025 carry over, he could be the kind of two-way player that anchors a lineup and a defense. But make no mistake: 2026 is a pivotal year.
Stott has the tools. He’s shown the flashes.
Now it’s about putting it all together over a full season. If he does, the Phillies might not just have a solid second baseman-they might have one of the breakout stars of the year.