The Philadelphia Phillies know they have to deliver results as soon as possible when it comes to the postseason.
Despite being without ace Zack Wheeler, the Phillies have a roster built for success in the postseason. MLB insider Bob Nightengale reports that if the team gets eliminated early, the organization could make a coaching change.
“The future is now in Philadelphia,” wrote Nightengale. “This is a team with a payroll built for a World Series run. Simply making the postseason isn’t good enough. If the Phillies have another early exit, it may not be his fault, but Thomson could be the one to pay the price.”
The core of Wheeler, Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, Nick Castellanos and J.T. Realmuto isn’t getting any younger. Kyle Schwarber looks destined for free agency as extension talks have gone quiet. The Phillies know they’re out of excuses to perform.
Philadelphia’s rotation is still dominant despite Wheeler’s absence. Christopher Sanchez has pitched like an ace over the last two-and-a-half months, and Ranger Suarez has been a reliable option for the Phillies. If Aaron Nola can become a form of his old self, Philadelphia shouldn’t have any issues on that front.
The Phillies also don’t have any injures in their lineup as of now, so they could go into the postseason with their best nine hitters. This is why there is so much pressure on Thomson to deliver results.
While nothing is specified in terms of what constitutes a deep run from the front office’s perspective, but one would think the team needs to at least make the National League Championship Series in order for Thomson to keep his job.
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