Hey PennLive readers, it’s Jeremy Block back again. As always, I’m here to offer my expert analysis and cover all of your most concerning sports and sports betting questions. With the MLB season only a few weeks in, today’s question will be in regards to our Philadelphia Phillies.

Hi Jeremy,

Do the Phillies have the worst offense in baseball? How can they get back on track?

– Justin from Darby

Entering this season, few expected the Phillies to struggle so significantly offensively. Last season, they were far from being in an offensive slump, finishing with a .256 batting average and even reaching the NL championship round. However, in the early weeks of the regular season, it’s clear the Phillies are facing immense challenges at the plate. At this pace, the Phillies must make significant changes to maintain their position in the top 10 for World Series odds, using the best online sportsbooks.

Swingin’ for the fences

Reflecting on the Philadelphia Phillies’ deep playoff run last season, it became evident fairly quickly on that their powerhouse slugging played a pivotal role in keeping them in playoff contention. Despite facing challenges with an incredibly weak bullpen and an average fielding lineup, their hitting was the primary driver of their success.

Moreover, in the 2023 season, the Phillies were undeniably an offensive force, finishing 8th in the league with 796 runs and ranking 6th with 1417 hits, they consistently showcased their ability to generate offense. Their collective batting average of .256 and a .438 slugging percentage highlighted their capability to deliver and continue to put runs on the board.

Bringing in runs

While retaining the core of their major hitters from last season’s team, the Phillies have struggled to replicate their previous success. Currently standing at 4-5 in the NL East standings, they have managed to score only 36 runs so far this season.

Kyle Schwarber

Kyle Schwarber has established himself as an elite hitting threat, most notably by his performance last season. Finishing 2nd in the league for hitting with 115 hits, 108 runs, and 47 home runs, he was a force to be reckoned with. However, Schwarber has encountered a severe slump this year, struggling to bring in runs and get on base consistently.

Kyle Schwarber, known hitter of singles pic.twitter.com/XACLMvBqiB

— Phillies Nation (@PhilliesNation) April 5, 2024

With only 9 hits in 36 at-bats and 11 strikeouts this season, Schwarber’s performance has been on the wayside and well below expectations. As he occupies the designated hitter slot, it’s crucial for the 31-year-old to rediscover his rhythm and improve his hitting percentage if the Philadelphia Phillies aim for another deep playoff run.

Bryce Harper

Bryce Harper has faced challenges this season, from adjusting to a new position due to injury complications to experiencing an unexpected fall over a dugout railing in recent games. These factors have contributed to a less-than-ideal performance from him thus far.

Despite these setbacks, Harper has displayed resilience, most notably by his three-home-run game against the Cincinnati Reds, which propelled the Phillies to victory. However, with only 5 hits in 31 at-bats, including 3 home runs, Harper’s performance has been inconsistent. Given the Phillies’ reliance on his home run hitting, it’s crucial for Harper to regain his usual hitting groove to get the Phills’ offense going again.

Are they the worst offense?

While the Phillies’ offense has indeed underperformed since their season opener, categorizing them as the ‘worst’ offense in the league may be overstating it. So, to answer your question, Justin, they are not the worst offense in baseball.

Despite their struggles, they remain a superior hitting team compared to lower ranked teams, like the Mets, who currently rank last in the season standings with an overall .193 team batting average and only 25 runs scored.

What needs to be fixed?

It’s imperative for players like Schwarber and Harper to step up and provide a resurgence for this young Phillies team, aiming to springboard them back on track for another playoff run and potentially a World Series appearance.

With additional contributions expected from the likes of Castellanos, Bohm, and Realmuto, there’s a strong possibility that the Phillies will bounce back and start driving in more runs.

Using DraftKings Sportsbook, the Phillies have the best odds of winning the 2025 World Series at +1400.

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