The Philadelphia Phillies are riding high after a thrilling walk-off win against the Washington Nationals. But despite the recent victory, the Phillies' stars haven't quite found their rhythm yet. Bryce Harper did manage to send one over the fence, and Kyle Schwarber has already knocked out two homers, but aside from those power plays, getting on base has been a struggle.
The team's batting average is sitting at .220, and the top four hitters-Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper, and Alec Bohm-are collectively batting a mere .149 with a .557 OPS. That’s historically low for the Phillies, even worse than the infamous 1939 squad.
There’s a buzz among insiders suggesting a strategic shake-up: moving Schwarber back to the leadoff spot. This isn't uncharted territory for him.
Between 2022 and 2024, Schwarber consistently crushed 34 or more homers each season while leading off. In 2024 alone, he drove in 104 runs, proving he can deliver from the top of the order.
Not to mention, he shattered the record for the most leadoff home runs in a single season with 15.
While this shift might reduce Schwarber's RBI count, it's worth noting he achieved a career-high 132 RBIs last season when not leading off. He also tallied 104 RBIs in consecutive seasons, 2023 and 2024.
This tactical adjustment could be just what the Phillies need to regain their groove. With rookie Justin Crawford and Edmundo Sosa showing improved performance at the bottom of the lineup, the team could see a more balanced offensive attack moving forward.