An upgraded offense is the biggest reason to be optimistic about the 2022 Phillies.
Signing a pair of free agent outfielders/designated hitters Nick Castellanos and Kyle Scwharber who hit 34 and 32 home runs last season gives the Phils a formidable batting order.
With MLB expanding the playoffs to three wild-card teams in each league, the Phillies have a decent chance to reach the postseason for the first time since 2011.
Here are our 22 Phillies’ predictions for the 2022 season, which begins Friday afternoon against the Athletics (3:05 at Citizens Bank Park):
1. Hello, playoffs: The Phillies reach the postseason by qualifying as the final National League wild-card team with an 88-74 record.
2. In a clinch: The worn-down Phils nail down a playoff berth with an 8-7 road win over the Astros on Oct. 4, which is their ninth game in eight days.
3. Quick exit: The Phillies drop a best-of-three, first-round playoff series to the NL Central champion Cardinals.
4. Defense rests: Another below-average defense prevents Joe Girardi’s team from securing the second wild-card spot.
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5. Watch ’em go: The Phils break the single-season team record, set by the 2009 club, of 224 home runs by hitting 230. Having a designated hitter helps the cause.
6. New Philly fave: Castellanos leads the Phillies with 38 homers and becomes a fan favorite with his edgy style of play.
7. Star power: Bryce Harper has another terrific season at the plate (37 home runs, 101 RBIs) but doesn’t repeat as NL MVP due to a monster year by the Nationals’ Juan Soto.
8. Put me in coach: Former No. 1 overall pick Mickey Moniak gets a chance to be the primary center fielder after a fine spring and starts the season relatively well before dropping off. Matt Vierling and Odubel Herrera end up platooning there.
9. Supporting power: Schwarber has another 30-homer year from the leadoff position and Rhys Hoskins, primarily hitting out of the No. 5 hole, gives the Phils a fourth player with at least 30 home runs.
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10. Bouncing back: Following a subpar 2021 season (9-9, 4.63 ERA), Aaron Nola returns to his 2018-20 form (combined 34-18, 3.13 ERA) and provides reliable starts every fifth day.
11. For starters: The starting rotation of Zack Wheeler, Nola, Zach Eflin, Ranger Suarez and Kyle Gibson stays relatively healthy and is the team’s second-biggest strength behind the high-scoring offense.
12. No danger with Ranger:After a superb 2021 season as a closer, reliever and starter (1.36 ERA), Suarez continues his consistent outings in a starting role.
13. Super Stott: Rookie Bryson Stott starts on opening day and shows he belongs. Harper’s spring roommate begins the year at third base before switching to shortstop midway through the campaign.
14. Issues with the ‘pen: The bullpen, which blew 34 saves last season, struggles early with Sam Coonrod (strained shoulder) unable to pitch right away and Jose Alvarado and Connor Brogdon having been limited in spring training.
15. Counting on vet relievers: Right-hander Jeurys Familia and lefty Brad Hand are regularly called upon in high-leverage situations to varying degrees of success.
16. Comeback kid?: Right-handed reliever Seranthony Dominguez had a fine 2018 season (2.95 ERA, 0.931 WHIP) but only pitched one inning in the last two year — the season finale last October — due to 2020 Tommy John surgery. He could really give the bullpen a boost.
17. Closing the door: Veteran Corey Knebel, signed to a one-year, $10 million deal, solidifies the closer role that has been a problem and finishes with 26 saves.
18. Back to the Bank: The Phils draw an average of 34,000 fans at their 81 home dates for a total of 2,754,000, marking the highest attendance since surpassing 3,000,000 in 2013.
19. Another chance: Third-year Phillie Alec Bohm gets a shot at third base after Stott moves to shortstop in place of Gregorius. He performs better last year but not up to the level of his fine rookie campaign.
20. Jack of all trades: Johan Camargo provides the Phils with a reliable utility infielder and handles some spot starts.
21. Catching on: Garrett Stubbs, acquired from the Astros for outfield prospect Logan Cerny after appearing in 51 games with Houston over the past three seasons, proves to be a competent backup catcher. He cannot help but be an offensive upgrade from Andrew Knapp.
22. Proving his worth: Dave Dombrowski and management wait to see how the season goes before picking up the 2023 option on Girardi’s contract after making the playoffs.
Tom Moore: tmoore@couriertimes; @TomMoorePhilly
