MLB columnist backs Phillies to go toe-to-toe with NL East rivals

MLB columnist Tyler Kepner has backed the Philadelphia Phillies to come up with a strong showing next season and make life difficult for their rivals.

The Phillies enjoyed a strong 2022 season, reaching the finals of the World Series before losing 4-2 to the champion Houston Astros. Their season was marred by injuries to key players, yet they showed tremendous resilience to make it to the World Series.

Speaking on the "MLB Network Radio," Kepner spoke about the 2022 season and his optimism for the upcoming season:

"The Phillies catapulted themselves into the mix with that great October. Only 187 games, last team to get into the playoffs, but they're certainly right in the mix now. Going out and getting Turner, I think they will have enough offence to hold down the fort until Bryce gets back."

He was also hopeful of Nick Castellanos bouncing back strongly this season:

"When you look at what he (Castellanos) did the previous year to what he did last year, he went from 34 home runs to 13. ... He made some defensive adjustments positioning wise, and he was much much better. Really helped them out in several big defensive plays in the postseason. He struggled to make contact in the World Series, and he is going to need to be the player that they wanted him to be. That's reasonable."

Kepner also talked about the importance of Zack Wheeler staying fit for next season, and also revealed how highly he rated him:

"The biggest thing with the Phillies is keeping Wheeler healthy. Wheeler is so good, he's in my top 10 list for starting pitchers. I felt he should have been the Cy Young, he certainly could have the year before.

"It was refreshing to hear him admit that he needed a bit of a break.Only 153 innings last year after big, big workload the year before, the most innings in baseball. So, they need their ace to be fresh and ready. And if he is, I think the Phillies are every bit as good as the Mets and Braves."

We will see if the team can manage to replicate last season's run and go one step further.

New Phillies signing

Trea Turner #6 of the Los Angeles Dodgers hits a solo home run in the third inning in game two of the National League Division Series against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium on October 12, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.

Last season's World Series runners-up moved to fill their shortstop-shaped hole by acquiring Trea Turner from the Los Angeles Dodgers in a 11-year deal worth $300 million.

Last season, he had the highest plate appearances(708) and at-bats (652) in the National League and finished just shy of a .300 batting average for the first time in five seasons, with .298.

The Phillies will hope the two-time MLB All-Star can lead them to their first World Series victory since 2008.