Wheeler and Harper are the obvious bets, but will someone else step up?
On paper, the Phillies are stacked with plenty of superstars who could lead the team to the postseason. Each season brings new life to the conversation and month by month, new leaders emerge. During the rollercoaster that is a full MLB season slumps, hot streaks and injuries all play a factor in who is driving the team’s success in the moment. But who exactly will emerge as the team’s most valuable player come September?
The Easy Bets
Most likely, the first player you thought of was either Bryce Harper or Zack Wheeler. They’re both incredibly safe bets, because both have a long history of contributing greatly to the team. Harper is already a two-time NL MVP, embodies the “it” factor, and is still in his prime. Wheeler is not only a bona fide Ace, but is one of the best starters in baseball. They have plenty of combined accolades and there’s a reason why they’re easy bets.
The Challengers
Removing the team’s two biggest stars from the conversation doesn’t deplete this roster of legitimate team MVP candidates. Kyle Schwarber led the team in home runs and RBI in 2024, while Trea Turner was the leader in batting average. Cristopher Sanchez could also make a push for the title, after last year’s breakout season.
The Possibilities
Even with some of the team’s biggest names already stated, there are plenty of players who could step up and take over this season. Alec Bohm has looked to be moving in the right direction. Max Kepler leads the team in both RBI and home runs in spring training and has fit in well. Aaron Nola is off to a smooth spring so far.
The Underdogs
Though he’s started to decline in recent years J.T. Realmuto can’t be counted out of this conversation. Neither can Nick Castellanos, who played all 162 regular season games last year or Bryson Stott, who is healthy and ready for a bounce-back season.
The Relievers
Pitchers in general get a tough break in this conversation compared to their everyday position player counterparts, and the argument in their favor is even harder for relief pitchers. But the Phillies have some bullpen guys who deserve to be mentioned, even if their team MVP-status is a long shot. Jordan Romano, Orion Kerkering and Jose Alvarado have all looked great this season and could be monumentally influential to the team’s success. Matt Strahm has struggled in his spring training appearances, but should also not be overlooked.
So, who is going to be the most valuable player for the Phillies in 2025?