NL East

In 2024, the Philadelphia Phillies concluded the regular season with the second-best record in the National League and all of Major League Baseball, just behind the Los Angeles Dodgers, who are on the brink of clinching the World Series title. This season marked a pivotal moment for the Phillies as they finished first in the NL East for the first time, having previously entered the playoffs as a Wild Card team. However, this success has raised questions about the advantages of being a top contender throughout the season. Former Phillies World Series closer Brad Lidge shared his thoughts on what the team might need to change moving forward.

Despite an impressive start and high expectations—with Cy Young contenders and an MVP favorite—the Phillies struggled in the latter part of the season. They secured the No. 2 seed in the NL and earned a first-round bye, but their late-season difficulties carried over into the playoffs, resulting in a disappointing four-game loss to the New York Mets in the NLDS. Lidge speculated that perhaps the Phillies would benefit from not clinching the division title until late September, allowing them to build momentum at the right time. He acknowledged that while the team has immense talent, a new strategy may be essential for maintaining their competitive edge in the future.