Section 215
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Philadelphia Phillies: This is the perfect lineup for the 2021 season

By David Esser

Sep 23, 2020; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Bryce Harper (3) is congratulated by catcher J.T. Realmuto (10) after hitting a solo home run against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 23, 2020; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Bryce Harper (3) is congratulated by catcher J.T. Realmuto (10) after hitting a solo home run against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Laying out the best Philadelphia Phillies lineup for 2021.

While the Philadelphia Phillies haven’t done a whole lot this offseason in terms of adding players (outside of signing a guy who hasn’t pitched in a few seasons to a minor-league deal), Spring Training is slowly creeping ever closer. Dave Dombrowski and Joe Girardi are going to have to start constructing a starting lineup here in the near future – with or without John Middleton’s financial backing.

Understanding the fact that the team is pinching pennies at the moment, here’s what I would call a “perfect” lineup for the 2021 season. Not necessarily one that can win a World Series, but one that should ideally land them their first postseason appearance since 2011.

Catcher: J.T. Realmuto

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Even with the notion that Middleton wants to shed salary this offseason, the Philadelphia Phillies need to find a way to bring back J.T. Realmuto. He’s undeniably the best catcher in all of baseball, and the connection that he’s formed with his Phillies teammates can’t be ignored. Losing him would be a massive blow to the team’s future, and with James McCann now in New York, there’s not a great backup plan out there.

Re-sign J.T.!

First Base: Rhys Hoskins

No controversy here, Rhys Hoskins needs to be the team’s first baseman in 2021. Despite a rough stretch there between late 2019 and early 2020, he really turned it on last season prior to his elbow injury. As long is he’s 100% healthy, he should be out there at first.

Second Base: Scott Kingery

The first ripple in the lineup, I do believe that Scott Kingery has earned the right to line-up at second base for an entire 162-game season. He obviously struggled big time last year, batting .159, but there’s reason to believe that he’ll improve in 2021. He had a nasty bout with COVID-19 leading into the 2020 season, which could be the reason for his struggles.

Shortstop: Bryson Stott

Little bit of a wildcard here, but it’s hard to pin the Phillies as someone who will spend the proper resources on a new shortstop. Didi Gregorius is an afterthought at this point in time, and Jean Segura’s days as an elite shortstop are gone and dusted. Throw in the fact that Segura’s name is coming up in trade talks, and there’s a chance that he won’t be around in 2021 at all.

Fast-tracking Stott to the majors could fail spectacularly, but he’s done nothing but impress in the minors thus far. Might as well see what he can do during this “re-tool” year.

Third Base: Alec Bohm

I mean, do I even need to explain this one? Alec Bohm is a freaking superstar in the making, coming off a season where he arguably should’ve won Rookie of the Year. His defense is a tad suspect, but he should only get better with time.

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