Phillies' Pitch for Individual 2025 MLB Awards May Fall Short, Despite Strong Regular Season Performance.
The Phillies had a disappointing playoff exit to the Dodgers in the National League Division Series, but their regular season was far from a disappointment. With a 96-win campaign and five consecutive improvements in win percentage, Philadelphia had a strong showing that could potentially lead some players on the roster to take home individual awards.
Among those finalists is manager Rob Thomson, who led the team to a second straight National League East division title despite some flaws in their pitching staff. While success isn't new for the Phillies, with one of MLB's highest payrolls and three consecutive playoff appearances since 2022, voters may appreciate Thomson's likable demeanor and ability to adapt his lineup and bullpen strategies.
However, Thomson's time as top manager could be upstaged by Terry Francona's resurgence with the Cincinnati Reds. Francona led the Reds back to the postseason in his first season after being absent for three years and has won over baseball fans with his reputation as one of the most likable guys in the game.
Another finalist is slugger Kyle Schwarber, who had a phenomenal 2025 campaign that included an NL-best 56 home runs and an MLB-leading 132 RBIs. Schwarber's dominance was on full display, including his ability to hit 23 home runs against left-handed pitchers, which tied for the most in MLB history among left-handed hitters.
Despite such impressive numbers, Ohtani's overall game may have given him an edge over Schwarber. As one of the most lethal offensive weapons in baseball, Ohtani excelled in multiple categories and started 14 games on the mound with a 2.87 ERA and nearly 12 strikeouts per nine innings.
The Phillies' ace pitcher Christopher Sanchez also had an impressive season that could see him take home the Cy Young award. Starting 32 games and winning 72 percent of his starts, Sanchez flourished in his new role after losing Zach Wheeler to injury in August. He led all of MLB with an 8.0 WAR and finished top-5 in several pitching categories.
Ultimately, while some Phillies players had strong cases for the individual awards, their chances may fall short due to stiff competition from other teams' standout performers.
The Phillies had a disappointing playoff exit to the Dodgers in the National League Division Series, but their regular season was far from a disappointment. With a 96-win campaign and five consecutive improvements in win percentage, Philadelphia had a strong showing that could potentially lead some players on the roster to take home individual awards.
Among those finalists is manager Rob Thomson, who led the team to a second straight National League East division title despite some flaws in their pitching staff. While success isn't new for the Phillies, with one of MLB's highest payrolls and three consecutive playoff appearances since 2022, voters may appreciate Thomson's likable demeanor and ability to adapt his lineup and bullpen strategies.
However, Thomson's time as top manager could be upstaged by Terry Francona's resurgence with the Cincinnati Reds. Francona led the Reds back to the postseason in his first season after being absent for three years and has won over baseball fans with his reputation as one of the most likable guys in the game.
Another finalist is slugger Kyle Schwarber, who had a phenomenal 2025 campaign that included an NL-best 56 home runs and an MLB-leading 132 RBIs. Schwarber's dominance was on full display, including his ability to hit 23 home runs against left-handed pitchers, which tied for the most in MLB history among left-handed hitters.
Despite such impressive numbers, Ohtani's overall game may have given him an edge over Schwarber. As one of the most lethal offensive weapons in baseball, Ohtani excelled in multiple categories and started 14 games on the mound with a 2.87 ERA and nearly 12 strikeouts per nine innings.
The Phillies' ace pitcher Christopher Sanchez also had an impressive season that could see him take home the Cy Young award. Starting 32 games and winning 72 percent of his starts, Sanchez flourished in his new role after losing Zach Wheeler to injury in August. He led all of MLB with an 8.0 WAR and finished top-5 in several pitching categories.
Ultimately, while some Phillies players had strong cases for the individual awards, their chances may fall short due to stiff competition from other teams' standout performers.
. That guy's like a baseball whisperer, always getting the best out of his team.
But Ohtani just takes it to another level with that two-way talent. And Sanchez, man... he was on fire 
. I think he's got a strong shot at that Cy Young award, but we'll see how the voters play out.
. The team had an amazing regular season and brought a lot of excitement to Philly. Let's just hope they can build on that momentum next year! 
. It's always a bunch of guys who are already super established in the league getting all the love. Rob Thomson is likable and all, but he's not even been a manager that long! And what's up with this "most likable guy" nonsense? 
Terry Francona has got some serious redemption vibes going on right now, but can we give him a break for being awesome at baseball again? 
Meanwhile, I'm over here wondering why Ohtani isn't even mentioned in the same breath as Schwarber's 56 home runs. Is it just because he's a superstar already? 
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. His reputation as one of the most likable guys in baseball is definitely an asset, but I believe Ohtani's overall game was just too well-rounded to be overlooked 
. On the other hand, Schwarber's numbers were truly eye-popping and his ability to hit 23 home runs against lefties is a testament to his skill 
. As for Sanchez, he had an incredible season in his new role after dealing with injury setbacks 
.
His overall game is just insane - hitting, pitching, you name it. I think he might have an edge over Sanchez. 
Kyle Schwarber was on fire too though, 56 home runs? 
That's a stat that's hard to ignore. But Francona and Thomson are gonna make it tough for those guys... 
It's all about who wins the fans' hearts this year. 
but it's always tough to get that one last bit of recognition in the playoffs. Rob Thomson did an amazing job as manager and his likable demeanor definitely helped him connect with fans 
. Kyle Schwarber was on fire this year, 56 home runs is insane! 
. And Chris Sanchez's performance as a starter was super impressive 
, but you never know how voters will weigh things down to individual awards. It's gonna be close, that's for sure 
like who pays what to get the best players? And btw, I'm still confused how they calculate those WAR numbers... sounds super complicated 
. Also, can someone explain why pitchers throw so many innings in a season? Don't they get tired or something? 
and sanchez's numbers are insane, the dude was on fire 
but Schwarber's still a strong contender, can't count him out just yet 
But now that the playoffs are over, I'm not so sure they got the recognition they deserve for the awards. I mean, Rob Thomson did a great job managing the team, no doubt about it 
. And Kyle Schwarber? dude hit 56 home runs! That's insane 
️. But I guess Shohei Ohtani's game just takes it to another level. He's like a superhero out there 
. Sanchez's numbers are pretty impressive too, but like, is it enough to take down the likes of Ohtani? We'll see what happens at the awards ceremony 
in the manager category - that comeback kid vibe is infectious 
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. Maybe the Phillies' guys will surprise us and bring home a few awards. A guy can dream, right?
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And Sanchez, I love the kid, but 8.0 WAR? That's some next-level stuff right there 
. They've still got some great players on that roster, and with a little bit of luck, they might just take home those awards 
.