Philadelphia Phillies owner John Middleton recently appeared on The Phillies Show podcast to chat about a wide range of topics, including how his team stacks up against the league’s top competition—most notably, the Los Angeles Dodgers. While Middleton acknowledged the Dodgers’ dominance and gave them credit where it was due, he made it clear that the Phillies are a formidable squad in their own right and won’t be intimidated by anyone.

“If you want to win the World Series… you’re gonna have to beat them at some point,” Middleton said. “To be the best, you have to beat the best.” He also emphasized that success isn’t solely tied to payroll. “It’s not just about money. It’s about having the right players, developing them, and keeping them healthy.”

Philadelphia enters the season with a strong core, featuring a potent lineup, reliable starting rotation, and a solid bullpen—key ingredients for another deep postseason push. Middleton, who started as a minority owner in 1994 and took control of the franchise in 2016, has seen the team evolve from a struggling 2010s club to a consistent contender in recent years. The Phillies made it to the World Series in 2022 and reached the NLCS in 2023, falling just short in seven games.

While the Dodgers remain the benchmark, Middleton doesn’t appear overly worried about matching up with them. The Phillies may not have the same depth on paper, but they’re still a legitimate threat. The Mets and Padres both have talent but remain inconsistent, the NL Central doesn’t feature any true powerhouse, and the Braves are off to an uncharacteristically poor start. The National League is tough, but the Phillies have the tools to go the distance. Whether a showdown with the Dodgers awaits in October remains to be seen—but Middleton is clearly confident his team will be ready.