The Phillies have next to no depth in the department that served as their primary strength from 2022-2025: starting pitching.
Pitchers and catchers report to Clearwater in less than two weeks, and as of now, the Phils have three locked-in starters — Cristopher Sanchez, Jesus Luzardo and Aaron Nola — and two question marks in Taijuan Walker and Andrew Painter. The biggest piece of the puzzle, Zack Wheeler, underwent thoracic outlet surgery in September and could be back at some point in May, perhaps even April if everything goes well.
Wheeler’s return will be a significant boost, obviously.