The Philadelphia Phillies clinched the National League East with a key win over the Los Angeles Dodgers. While they didn't celebrate in Philadelphia, the game and after-party were a microcosm of the season for the Phillies.
In the clubhouse postgame, Phillies owner John Middleton was partying with the players he's spent so much money on. With the Phillies clinching the NL East for the second consecutive season, thanks to a high payroll, Middleton deserves his flowers for helping fund this roster.
In a piece from Matt Gelb of The Athletic, Middleton spoke on the Phillies' win over the Dodgers for the NL East crown. There, Middleton revealed why he thinks this Phillies team is different than years prior, and his reasoning should instill confidence in Phillies fans that this team can win the World Series for the first time since 2008.
John Middleton's message on the Phillies being different in 2025 than in years prior
"What's different this year for me is the adversity this team has overcome. I mean, there are serious problems." Middleton said. "Zack's out. Trea's out. Bryce has been nursing a bad wrist all season. And they just kept coming back. And, to me, this game was a microcosm of their season. It was a championship game. It was October baseball."
Looking at just the Dodgers game, the Phillies got off to an early lead, but then the Dodgers retook the lead. Weston Wilson, in the Phillies' new outfield platoon, hit a two-run homer to tie the game.
Later in the game, Bryce Harper hit a go-ahead solo home run. Jhoan Duran gave up the first home run since coming to Philadelphia, but then David Robertson helped shut down the Dodgers in extra innings to secure the win.
The Phillies have faced a lot of challenges all year, and the little bumps during the Dodgers game are representative of the Phillies' season. There's been plenty of troublesome moments this season for the Phillies.
Zack Wheeler is done for the year. Trea Turner and Alec Bohm are out, though both are expected back. Bryce Harper has missed some time and is dealing with a lingering wrist issue.
Jordan Romano and Joe Ross have struggled for the Phillies coming out of the bullpen, while Jose Alvarado was suspended 80 games and the postseason, before landing on the injured list in September.
Nick Castellanos had a rough August, and Brandon Marsh was one of the worst hitters in baseball in April. Max Kepler wasn't a good hitter for the majority of the season, and Bryson Stott has gone through massive dry spells at the plate.
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Jesus Luzardo and Ranger Suarez have had their bumps and bruises, too. Aaron Nola, who missed a huge chunk of the season, came back and has been shaky. Taijuan Walker had a good stretch, but he's been inconsistent.
There have been issues with the entire roster the whole year. But, just like the Dodgers game, the Phillies have fought back from those issues and are shaping up to be the top team in baseball this October.
Philadelphia can clinch a first-round bye in the NL, while also looking to surpass the Milwaukee Brewers atop the NL standings. The Phillies have a strong bullpen, an elite starting rotation, and a potent offense.
They were great in 2023 and 2024, but this season, as Middleton describes, it's a different team. In 2024, the Phillies backed into the postseason. In 2023, there were clear limitations with the team in the bullpen and in the outfield.
This season, with Harrison Bader, Jhoan Duran, and David Roberston, the Phillies addressed their biggest needs and look to be one of the top teams in baseball, if not the top team.
It's a different team comprised of similar players in 2025. They have the makings of a World Series team, and Middleton's message points out how the Phillies are not the same team that faltered in October a year ago.
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