The Ringer's Philly Special Phillies Season Preview and Predictions With Anthony Dabbundo!
Mar 23, 2026
Anthony Dabbundo, Philadelphia sports writer known for bold Phillies takes, joins Sheil to preview the season. They debate bullpen rebuild and Yohan Duran’s closer upside. They weigh Bryce Harper’s MVP bounceback versus decline. Andrew Painter’s big-league debut and Justin Crawford’s role get detailed discussion. Contract changes for Cristopher Sánchez and ballpark updates round out the conversation.
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Duran And A Bullpen Breakout Are Real Possibilities
- Yohan Duran could both lead MLB in saves and lift the Phillies to one of their best bullpen ERAs since 2008.
- Anthony Dabbundo cites spring development, a clearer bullpen hierarchy, and new arms like Jonathan Bolin and Brad Keller as evidence of a potential breakout bullpen.
Harper More Likely To Decline Than To Win MVP
- Bryce Harper is more likely to post his lowest Phillies OPS than finish top five in MVP voting this season.
- Dabbundo and Sheil point to declining walk rates, aggressive first-pitch swings, defensive limitations at first base, and potential fan backlash if Harper doesn't adjust.
Hitter Titles More Probable Than Cy Young For Phillies
- A Phillies hitter (Schwarber/Turner) winning a batting crown or leading in homers feels likelier than a Phillies pitcher winning the NL Cy Young.
- Projections favor Schwarber's power and Trey's batting skills, while Sanchez, Wheeler, and Lozardo face tougher competition from top NL arms like Blake Snell.