Phillies insider breaks down how Bryce Harper's full potential could've been unlocked with Steven Kwan

The Philadelphia Phillies currently hold the lead in the National League East over the rejuvenated New York Mets. After the Mets spent the start of the 2025 campaign with a vice grip on first place, the Phillies pried it away just before the All-Star break, thanks to a mix of reliable pitching and hitting.

Boasting a 65-49 record, including a 37-21 mark at home, the Phillies might appear set for a deep postseason run with the talent on their roster.

However, the organization still loaded up at the trade deadline, acquiring Gold Glove outfielder Harrison Bader and closer Jhoan Duran from the Minnesota Twins. One name that surfaced during the deadline but never materialized was multi-time All-Star outfielder Steven Kwan of the Guardians.

In a recent episode of the "Phillies Show" podcast, insider Jim Salisbury discussed the idea of Kwan landing in Philadelphia.

"Steven Kwan was so intriguing to me because you can put him on top [of the lineup]," Salisbury said. "Then you can go with Trea Turner, and then go to Bryce Harper. Now that would put Schwarber back behind Harper and then Alec Bohm would come behind Schwarber." (24:05-24:25)

Salisbury told co-hosts Todd Zolecki and former Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. that Kwan’s presence could provide protection in the batting order, potentially benefiting both Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber.

"You could really unlock Harper with Schwarber's menacing bat behind him." (24:25-24:31)

So far, the Phillies have succeeded with Turner, Schwarber and Harper atop the lineup, with Nick Castellanos and Bohm alternating in the cleanup role.

Phillies set for premier matchup against the Rangers in Texas

The Phillies are set to battle fellow postseason aspirants in the form of the Rangers in a three-game series starting today. Both teams have at least 60 wins, but their situations could not be more different.

Philadelphia holds the top spot in a two-team race in the NL East. Texas, meanwhile, sits third in the AL West, trailing Houston and Seattle, but is just 1.5 games out of a wild-card spot.

Christopher Sancez, widely regarded as one of this year’s All-Star snubs, will take his 10-3 record and 2.40 ERA on the road against a Rangers batting order that ranks 27th in the league in OPS.

For Texas, new acquisition Merrill Kelly will make his home debut. He has posted a 9-6 record with a 3.22 ERA in 23 starts this season.