Early Season Letdowns: 3 Phillies Off to Disappointing Starts and Dragging the Team Down
The Philadelphia Phillies entered the 2025 season with high expectations, hoping to build on their playoff momentum from the previous year. However, early season struggles have put a damper on their ambitions, with key players failing to live up to their potential. Three names in particular are causing concern for fans and analysts alike.
1. Bryce Harper
Once a surefire MVP candidate, Harper’s bat has been eerily quiet to start the season. While he’s still showing flashes of brilliance, his overall numbers have fallen short of the elite performance the Phillies need. His power has been limited, and it’s clear that he’s still working through some inconsistencies at the plate.
2. Zack Wheeler
Wheeler was expected to be the ace of the Phillies’ pitching staff, but his early performances have been less than stellar. With control issues and a lack of sharpness in his secondary pitches, Wheeler has allowed too many base runners and has struggled to keep the opposition off the scoreboard.
3. J.T. Realmuto
As one of the league’s top catchers, Realmuto’s offense has taken a significant step backward this year. His normally steady bat has gone cold, leaving the team without the offensive spark they’ve relied on. Additionally, his framing behind the plate hasn’t been as sharp, and opposing hitters are taking advantage of his defensive lapses.
These slow starts are proving costly, and unless these key players find their form soon, the Phillies’ early-season hopes could quickly fade.
