With the Phillies’ spring training season over, many fans question whether or not the team put their best effort into every game. However, fans are also excited to see what the team has in store for the regular season, especially because Citizens Bank Park is allowing up to 8,800 people within the stadium (including staff and players). Another lingering question on the table for the Phillies is whether they will be eligible for the 2021 postseason playoffs. The 2021 spring training season was quite interesting for the Phillies. In many cases, Manager Joe Girardi attempted to give the entire lineup a chance to hit at least a few times each during the game. Fans who attended the games in person, as well as those who watched at home, were also able to get a preview of the hopefully improved bullpen. 

Like always, we saw great offense and defense from well-known players such as J.T. Realmuto, Didi Gregorious, and Bryce Harper. However, many “underrated” players such as Luke Williams, Johan Rojas, and Roman Quinn contributed to many of the Phillies’ wins in ways that may be overlooked. With wins such as 15-0 against the Yankees, along with losses such as 14-5 against the Blue Jays, fans question whether or not the Phillies put 100% effort into every preseason game. The Phillies’ preseason results weren’t very surprising when you only look at the stats and who they won and lost against. It’s become a tendency for the Phillies to win against the teams higher up in the standings but lose against the teams below them. Nonetheless, when you dive deeper into every game, you can see that the Phillies did in fact try their best, and their win or loss depended on the opposing team’s strategies. 

The Phillies’ have started the season hot, off to a 4-0 start. Unlike last year, the Phillies will be able to have a live crowd in the stands as long as there isn’t another huge spike in COVID-19 cases. The Phillies have already begun selling tickets to their first 19 home games, except for Opening Day, in pod seating of 2-4 seats per pod. The team has also implemented their COVID-19 safety guidelines which include required mask-wearing at all times unless you are in your designated pod. There will also be hand sanitizer stations throughout the stadium, and contactless payment options available at all food stands and the team apparel shops. Although there were many delays in last year’s season due to players testing positive with COVID, the Phillies have yet to be interrupted with any breakouts this year. 

The 2021 season has many new opportunities to come, but the big question on the table is whether or not the Phillies will make it to the playoffs. Personally, I don’t think they will. Although the team has re-signed J.T. Realmuto, Didi Gregorius, and Brad Miller, they released a few players and I don’t think the bullpen is quite there yet. The team has a great lineup in the active and 40-man roster, but the pitching plays a great part in determining if the Phillies can make it. The pitching has definitely improved since last season, and I would enjoy seeing the Phillies play in the postseason, but I don’t think the team is 100% ready. Additionally, Joe Girardi optioned Scott Kingery, along with two other players, to the minor leagues. Many fans were shocked when they heard this announcement, but Girardi wants to ensure that Kingery will be able to have more control over his batting during the season. I think this decision has both positive and negative sides because Kingery plays an important role when it comes to being versatile in the infield positions, but he won’t have a successful season if he can’t contribute to the team offensively as well. All in all, I think the Phillies will end the 2021 season in either third or fourth place in the NL East division. Though they have made many changes and improvements, the team must work incredibly hard to make it to the playoffs this year.