The 2024 season for the Philadelphia Phillies was nothing short of spectacular, capturing their first NL East division title since 2011. This was a team that gave fans reason to believe through its inspiring stories and standout performances. Alec Bohm and Ranger Suárez lit up the early part of the season, propelling the Phillies to the top of the league for much of the year with their breakout performances.
The Phillies weren't just a one-man show, though. They led the league with an impressive eight players selected for the All-Star Game.
Among this elite group were first-time All-Stars like Bohm, Suárez, Cristopher Sánchez, Matt Strahm, and Jeff Hoffman. The team also saw unforgettable moments such as utility man Weston Wilson hitting for the cycle and the starting rotation delivering four dazzling complete-game shutouts.
Perhaps the most surprising of those shutouts occurred on July 27 when rookie Tyler Phillips, a right-hander, blanked the Cleveland Guardians, who would go on to win the AL Central. Phillips was living out a dream that was close to home, as he grew up cheering for the Phillies from Lumberton, New Jersey. His journey from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to a standout performer in the Phillies’ rotation was a narrative all fans could get behind.
Although Phillips began the season with the Phillies, a shaky finish saw him return to Lehigh Valley. Fast forward to 2025, and Phillips is making waves again, this time with the division rival Miami Marlins.
After being designated for assignment by the Phillies on March 23, he was traded to the Marlins. Now, he’s finding his stride in a relief role, showcasing his skills by not giving up an earned run over 6 1/3 innings through April 9, with two strikeouts, two walks, and five hits.
Despite this encouraging start, Phillips’ low strikeout numbers suggest he’s relying on contact pitching, a risky strategy in the power-hitting era of today’s MLB. Whether this will be sustainable remains to be seen, but for a Marlins team in need of pitching depth, Phillips’ contributions have been a boost.
Phillips' career has been a rollercoaster. Drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 16th round in 2015, he spent several years honing his craft in the Rangers’ system before joining the Phillies via waivers in July 2021.
He missed all of 2022 but came back to pitch in 46 games across Double-A Reading and Triple-A Lehigh Valley between 2023-24, never posting an ERA below 4.00. Still, the Phillies turned to him for depth last season, although his major league stint ended with a tough 6.87 ERA over 36 2/3 innings and seven starts.
As the Phillies wrestle with their bullpen challenges, pondering whether to keep someone like Tyler Phillips over less active players could be a lingering question. His journey continues to be one to watch, with plenty of chapters left to unfold in his unexpected comeback with the Marlins.
