Philly Leader

The Philadelphia Phillies are entering their 2025 season with optimism following a successful previous year and a recent boost in local sports morale. Owner John Middleton expressed his excitement after the Eagles' Super Bowl victory, recounting the energy from fans who encouraged him that it is now the Phillies' turn to shine.

Reflecting on past achievements, Middleton noted, "I'm old enough to remember 1980. Every single team [in Philadelphia] went to the championship finals. And the Phillies actually won. You know what? The excitement built." His enthusiasm for the upcoming season was evident as he interacted with fans post-Super Bowl, sharing high-fives and feeling the collective anticipation for another championship run.

Phillies President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski remains confident in the team's capabilities. "We have a good team," he stated, emphasizing their strong starting pitching and solid lineup. He added, "I don’t think we have a glaring weakness out there."

The team finished last season with 95 wins and secured their first NL East title since 2011. As Spring Training begins at Carpenter Complex, notable players like Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, José Alvarado, Ranger Suárez, and new acquisition Jesús Luzardo are gearing up for another competitive year.

Despite facing challenges in previous postseasons and watching rivals like the Dodgers continue to strengthen their roster, Dombrowski believes in their ability to compete: "I mean, I don’t hear anybody say, 'Hey, the Phillies beat the Dodgers five out of six last year during the regular season,'” he remarked.

Middleton is prepared to support necessary moves if they prove beneficial before the Trade Deadline: “We can push [the payroll],” he said. However, he also stressed careful consideration regarding financial decisions based on potential returns.

As they embark on this new season with renewed determination and support from their fan base, Middleton concluded by envisioning a future celebration: “My guess is if we’re lucky enough to win the World Series... Let’s do it again.”