As May winds down, the Philadelphia Phillies have emerged as the top team in Major League Baseball. With a league-best 34-18 record heading into Sunday’s game, the Phillies have firmly positioned themselves as World Series contenders, reflected in their +950 odds (third-best) to win the 2025 title on FanDuel Sportsbook.
Despite their success, there’s a case to be made that the Phillies still haven’t hit their ceiling. Several veteran players have underperformed over the first two months of the season, which may have cost the team some additional wins that could’ve further separated them from the rest of the pack.
Among those struggling, one veteran in particular could find his spot on the roster in jeopardy if he doesn’t improve soon.
Brandon Marsh Could Be on the Hot Seat in June
Outfielder Brandon Marsh stands out among the Phillies’ underachievers this season and could face serious consequences if his play doesn’t improve by the end of June.
Since joining Philadelphia in a 2022 trade with the Angels, Marsh had been a steady contributor. From the start of the 2023 season, he hit .263 with a .350 on-base percentage and a .438 slugging mark over 268 games, adding 28 home runs, 42 doubles, 120 RBIs, and a 6.5 WAR.
But 2025 has been a different story. In 33 games (84 at-bats), the 27-year-old has hit just .214 with a .600 OPS — both career lows — managing only one home run and 10 RBIs while striking out in over a quarter of his plate appearances (25.8%).
Marsh had a brief hot streak in early May but has since cooled off again. Heading into Sunday’s game against Oakland, he was hitless in his last six at-bats, drawing just one walk and striking out once in that stretch — all while the Phillies continued winning without his contribution.
Once a key piece of the lineup, Marsh’s role has diminished. With the trade deadline approaching, the Phillies may consider replacing him if he continues to struggle.
Marsh’s $3 million salary for 2025 and two remaining arbitration years could make him a trade target for teams in need of outfield help. His age and contract status might appeal to a club willing to take a chance on reviving the former second-round pick’s career.
For now, the Phillies are holding onto Marsh, hoping he can rediscover his form and become a meaningful part of their championship push.
