Insider Questions Phillies After Struggling to Start the Season

An MLB insider questions the Philadelphia Phillies offense after struggling to begin the season.

Apr 5, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner (7) / Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports

The Philadelphia Phillies have had another slow star, a slight concern after doing so in 2023. While the 2023 seasons slow start was due to injuries, this year, the Phillies don't have any excuses.

Surprisingly, this offense hasn't been able to get much going, hitting just .229 as a team. When Philadelphia is at its best, they're producing arguably the best offense in baseball. When they struggle on that end, they'll start the season the way they have, which has resulted in a 4-5 record.

In the latest MLB power rankings from Will Leitch of MLB.com, the Phillies have fallen two spots, going from No. 4 to No. 6. Leitch is concerned with what the offense has done and points to Trea Turner's struggles as a factor into the recent play.

Turner, who eventually turned his play around after a standing ovation, might need another one in the next few days. His play to start both of his seasons in Philadelphia has been inexcusable and at some point, he needs to be the player this team was expecting him to be during this part of the year.

He's easy to trust given his history in the postseason, but the early season struggles need to be fixed.

Luckily for the Phillies, the Atlanta Braves haven't gotten off to a perfect 8-0 start like they're certainly capable of. While Philadelphia has proven to be able to win in the postseason without winning the division, having home-field advantage and winning the National League East can be a big help in the postseason.