Hittin' Season: A Philadelphia Phillies podcast

The Phillies, perhaps baseball's hottest team, had a spectacular weekend in Pittsburgh. John Stolnis, Justin Klugh, and Liz Roscher talk about Cristopher Sanchez's start, Kyle Schwarber's Schwarbombs, Bryce Harper going to dead center, and more!

The Phillies took two out of three in Boston thanks to some great pitching and timely Schwarbomb-ing—though Bryson Stott found a couple of ways to come up big, too. Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher recap the games as the team heads to Pittsburgh, where ace Paul Skenes is waiting.

The Phillies have split the first two of their three-game series with the Red Sox in Boston, with outstanding starting pitching from Zack Wheeler and Andrew Painter and a quiet few days in Beantown from the bats. Host John Stolnis of The Good Phight recaps all the action, and chats with baseball writer Tim Brown, author of a new Nolan Ryan biography "Nolan: The Singular Life of an American Original."

Kyle Schwarber. Alec Bohm. Bryce Harper. Cristopher Sanchez. In yet another series win under Don Mattingly against the Rockies, the reborn Phillies featured many heroes over the weekend. But who was the star of the show? John Stolnis, Liz Roscher and Justin Klugh peruse those questions and wonder whether Justin Crawford possesses the gift of "clutch." Also, they make fun of the Mets a little.

Some of their most comfortable starting pitching of the season led to the Phillies taking a series from the A's—even if Andrew Painter couldn't get them to stop smashing his fastball in the finale. Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher talk about the series and what to expect this weekend against the Rockies.

Don Mattingly's magical ride as Phillies manager continued as the team returned to Philadelphia for a three-game series against the Athletics, winning the first two games and earning their third straight series win since firing Rob Thomson. On Episode 1074 of Hittin' Season, host John Stolnis of The Good Phight discusses outstanding outings from Zack Wheeler and Cristopher Sanchez, heroics by Bryce Harper, Bryson Stott, Brandon Marsh and Edmundo Sosa, and a challenge from Harper to Mattingly about playing time for his teammate.

The Phillies are 6-1 under new manager Don Mattingly after winning three of four games against the Marlins in Miami over the weekend. On Episode 1073 of Hittin' Season, John Stolnis, Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher break down some terrific starting pitching performances, a big weekend from Bryson Stott and Bryce Harper, and why the Phillies would be nuts to trade for Mike Trout. Yes, we're having this conversation again, apparently.

The Don Mattingly Era got off with a bang as the Phillies wiped out the Giants at Citizens Bank Park this week, including two walk-off wins and a doubleheader sweep! Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher talk about the big moments of that series, and then Ely Sussman of Fish on First comes by to give a little insight into the Phillies' weekend opponent, the Miami Marlins.

Phillies legend and Hall of Fame third baseman Mike Schmidt joins host John Stolnis on this edition of Hittin' Season, discussing the Phillies' slow start to the season and what it means to the players in the clubhouse when a manager is fired in-season. Also, Mike shares his thoughts on whether he would have liked to play in an era when six teams, not two, make the playoffs from each league, and how he sees the labor situation in MLB shaking out this off-season. Also, the Don Mattingly era is officially underway. Can he right the ship?

After a 9-19 start, the Phillies have fired their manager, Rob Thomson. Hosts John Stolnis, Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher react to the news many had anticipated, their reported failure to hire Alex Cora to replace him, and how Don Mattingly can help the team try to claw their way back from a disastrous first month.

After another series loss in Atlanta, the Phillies entered their off-day Monday with serious questions about the future of their coaching staff and their manager, Rob Thomson. Will Dave Dombrowski make major changes after a disastrous week against the Cubs and Braves? And does the Red Sox' firing of Alex Cora increase the odds of Thomson being let go? Hosts John Stolnis, Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher discuss on an all new Hittin' Season, powered by WHYY.

Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher look back at the Phillies' current nine-game losing streak, an increasingly and historically awful start to the 2026 season. From unique pitching statistics to endless offensive plummets, there's not much going right for the Phillies so far.

The Phillies have lost 8 games in a row heading into Thursday's series finale against the Cubs in Chicago, and show no signs of pulling out of their early season slump. Is Rob Thomson in trouble? How desperate are the Phillies? Host John Stolnis is joined by Jeff Warren of the Philadelphia Sports Table to discuss the team's awful start and whether it has already submarined their chances of reaching the postseason.

The Phillies were swept by the Braves at Citizens Bank Park over the weekend, the continuation of a brutal homestand. What's going wrong? Is Rob Thomson's job in jeopardy? John Stolnis, Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher run down their favorite terrible Phillies stats of the season's first three weeks. Also, who is more likely to pull out of their early funk, the Phils or the Mets, losers of 11 in a row?

The Phillies have had some problem areas to start the 2026 season ... but stats indicate they may not be problems forever. Try some medical-grade coping as Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher talk about how (and when) the Phillies might turn things around while the hot, hot Braves come to town for a weekend series.

Jesus Luzardo got blown up again, the offense continues to be mostly MIA and injuries are making their way through the bullpen. Other than that, the Phillies are doing great! John Stolnis and Justin Klugh recap another Phils series loss, this one to the Cubs at home, and discuss whether Justin Crawford and/or Andrew Painter should get contract extensions sooner rather than later.

Another series loss in which the offensive went limp, the starting pitching was inconsistent and the bullpen blew a late lead Sunday. All in all, a typical 2026 Phillies series thus far! John Stolnis and Liz Roscher discuss the Phils' series against the Diamondbacks. How much rope does manager Rob Thomson and hitting coach Kevin Long have? Is the fanbase the unhappiest it's been since the beginning of the rebuild?

The Phillies had a rough final two games in San Francisco. Will a return to Citizens Bank Park get them going again? On a new Hittin' Season, hosts John Stolnis and Liz Roscher discuss their level of concern and potential fixes, including lineup changes and the validity of moving on from their hitting coach. Also, Justin Klugh previews this weekend's series against Arizona with Diamondbacks beat writer Nick Piccoro.

The Phillies won a series against the Rockies in Colorado over the weekend, thanks to an offensive outburst on Friday and solid pitching throughout. Up next, a trip to San Francisco and the struggling Giants. Is this the year the Phils finally win a series at Oracle Park? Join John Stolnis, Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher as they discuss Jesus Luzardo, Aaron Nola, Zack Wheeler's rehab and Jo Adell's insane home robberies over the weekend as well!

Bryce Harper homered, Edmundo Sosa did it all, and Justin Crawford walked it off to finish the Phillies homestand. Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher talk about some progress at the plate, the Mets' three-game slide, and how Aaron Nola has pitched at homer-happy Coors Field.

The Phillies win their first series of the season thanks to the contributions of their two prized rookies, Justin Crawford and Andrew Painter. On this edition of Hittin' Season, host John Stolnis of The Good Phight recaps the series against the Washington Nationals and how the kids saved the Phils from a nightmarish result against one of baseball's worst teams. Also, Rob Friedman, a.k.a., the creator of Pitching Ninja, stops by to talk about his new book "Unhittable," and discuss who his favorite Phillies pitchers to watch are.

After a supremely enjoyable Opening Day win, the Phillies' bats disappeared in losses to the Texas Rangers on Saturday and Sunday, an unsatisfying weekend of baseball in Philadelphia on opening weekend. Is there reason for concern? On Episode 1057 of Hittin' Season, John Stolnis, Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher react to the Phillies' 1-2 start and whether anyone should be worried about what transpired. Plus, a quick look ahead to this week's series against the Nationals.

Kyle Schwarber said it best—the Phillies looked like a complete team as they defeated the Texas Rangers on opening day, 5-3. Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher break down the game's big moments, from Schwarbombs to Bohm-bombs to the dominance of Cristopher Sánchez.

The Phillies' 2026 season is finally here, and the Hittin' Season crew is ready! Will the Phils win the NL East for the third year in a row? Who wins MVP? Cy Young? Is this the year they win it all? Hosts John Stolnis, Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher make their official picks, and discuss all the ways Phillies owner John Middleton failed to read the room with his comments about Harry the K's and the Connie Mack clock going away at Citizens Bank Park.

The Phillies rewarded All Star left-hander Cristopher Sanchez with a new contract extension this week that recognizes his stature as one of the five best pitchers in baseball. Also, the Phils' Opening Day roster is set, and we know how the lineup and starting rotation are going to line up, days ahead of the start of the regular season. On Episode 1054 of Hittin' Season, powered by WHYY in Philadelphia, host John Stolnis of SB Nation's The Good Phight breaks down the roster, Sanchez' new deal, and the news that a top division rival has suffered another devastating injury setback.

Bryce Harper had his "elite" moment at the World Baseball Classic, slugging the biggest home run of the tournament for Team USA. John Stolnis of The Good Phight breaks down another iconic blast from Harper and ranks it among his top-10 HRs all time as a Phillie. Also on Episode 1053 of Hittin' Season, powered by WHYY, John breaks down the latest Phillies' position battles in spring training, Adolis Garcia's big day, and chats with Atlanta Braves writer Demetrius Bell of SB Nation's Battery Power to preview their 2026 season.

What will Bryce Harper's batting average be with runners in scoring position? How many home runs will Kyle Schwarber hit? How low will Aaron Nola's ERA be? On Episode 1052 of Hittin' Season, John Stolnis of The Good Phight sets the line on the most important numbers for the most important Phillies in 2026, as Baseball Prospectus' Justin Klugh and SABR's Liz Roscher try to decide if the number is too high or too low. Also, a Phils World Baseball Classic update. Are you concerned about Harper's struggles? Encouraged by Schwarber's start? Subscribe to the Hittin' Season podcast on Apple Podcasts here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Subscribe on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/show/6fMSJlk... Follow all WHYY podcasts here: https://whyy.org/radio-podcasts/ Follow John on X: https://x.com/JohnStolnis Follow John on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/johnstolnis.... Follow Liz on X: https://x.com/lizroscher Follow Liz on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lizroscher.b... Follow Justin on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/justinklugh.... Read John at The Good Phight: https://www.thegoodphight.com Read Justin at Baseball Prospectus: https://www.baseballprospectus.com/au.... Become a Member: https://whyy.org/membership. Buy Justin's NEW book, "Summer of the Cheap Weiners: What the 1941 Phillies Were Up To While Joe DiMaggio Was Making History" at Brookline Books! https://www.brooklinebooks.com/978195...

Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher talk about a recent Jayson Stark column in which Dave Dombrowski shared some stirring thoughts on the Phillies' off season. Also, the Phillies extended Jesus Luzardo, Aaron Nola and Dante Nori are dominating at the WBC, and the Phillies have a new Wall of Fame inductee!

The Phillies signed left-handed starting pitcher Jesus Luzardo to a five-year contract extension on Monday, locking up one of the best southpaw starters in the National League! Powered by WHYY, host John Stolnis analyzes the contract, explains why it's a good and smart deal for both sides, and how Luzardo's 2026 season may play out.

Phillies starters post the best ERA. Bryce Harper gets 100 RBIs. Adolis Garcia 35 home runs. On Episode 1050 of Hittin' Season, powered by WHYY in Philadelphia, hosts John Stolnis, Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher go over their BOLD predictions for the upcoming season. Also, a Phils prospect is off to a MONSTER start in the WBC, a longer conversation about Bryce Harper's outspokenness this spring, and the ABS system is officially here!

Cristopher Sanchez. Kyle Schwarber. Bryce Harper. Trea Turner. The list doesn't stop there. ESPN's ranking of the top 100 players in baseball has a surprisingly large number of Phillies in it. Their ranking will surprise you! Also on this edition of Hittin' Season, powered by WHYY in Philadelphia, host John Stolnis of The Good Phight provides an update on how Aaron Nola and others are progressing as we near the midway point of spring training. John also speaks with MLB.com's Mike Petriello about two recent articles concerning the Phillies. Which NL East rotation has the chance to flame out more spectacularly, and where does Mike rank the Phillies in his Tiers of 30 MLB teams? Subscribe on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/show/6fMSJlk... Follow all WHYY podcasts here: https://whyy.org/radio-podcasts/ Read John at The Good Phight: https://www.thegoodphight.com Read Mike's Ranking of all 30 MLB Teams in Tiers here: https://www.mlb.com/news/tiers-of-2026-mlb-contenders Read Mike's NL East rotation story here: https://www.mlb.com/news/2026-nl-east-could-be-a-4-team-race

Bryce Harper is leaving the Phillies... along with Kyle Schwarber and reliever Brad Keller to begin play for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic starting this week! Will a big Harper WBC performance be a springboard for an All Star 2026 season? As for the players still in Clearwater, there are a number of things to feel really good about right now, including hot starts from uber prospects Andrew Painter and Justin Crawford, and veterans Bryson Stott and Cristopher Sanchez. On Episode 1048 of Hittin' Season, hosts John Stolnis, Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher discuss all that and much more, powered by WHYY! Subscribe on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/show/6fMSJlk... Follow all WHYY podcasts here: https://whyy.org/radio-podcasts/ Read John at The Good Phight: https://www.thegoodphight.com Read Justin at Baseball Prospectus: https://www.baseballprospectus.com/au.... Become a Member: https://whyy.org/membership. Buy Justin's NEW book, "Summer of the Cheap Weiners: What the 1941 Phillies Were Up To While Joe DiMaggio Was Making History" at Brookline Books! https://www.brooklinebooks.com/978195...

Phillies spring training games are underway! On Episode 1047 of Hittin' Season, John Stolnis of The Good Phight, Justin Klugh from Baseball Prospectus and Liz Roscher of SABR's Baseball Research Journal highlight rookie Justin Crawford's promising debut, Aidan Miller injury concerns, Bryce Harper's influence on team dynamics and the ongoing tension with management, and John Middleton's recent interview where he addresses the team's financial strategies and the luxury tax implications. The conversation also touches on the return of baseball to the Olympics in 2028.

Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher recap and reflect on the Nick Castellanos Saga. Then, Bryce Harper's had some recent comments on Dave Dombrowski's quote from a press conference months ago, which begs the question: Are the Phillies showing up to camp a little messy?

Will Zack Wheeler be ready by Opening Day? Is Aaron Nola cooked? Can Bryce Harper be elite again? How much impact will the rookies make? On Episode 1045 of Hittin' Season, John Stolnis of The Good Phight and Baseball Prospectus' Justin Klugh try to answer some of the toughest questions facing the 2026 Phillies as pitchers and catchers begin reporting to Clearwater over the next few days. Also, some news about Wheeler's recovery timetable, when Nick Castellanos might get traded and Dave Dombrowski discusses a top prospect who could be a fast riser through the minors this year.

How many homers will Kyle Schwarber hit? How many starts will Zack Wheeler make? How much WAR will Bryce Harper accumulate? On Episode 1044 of Hittin' Season, powered by WHYY, John Stolnis of The Good Phight and Baseball Prospectus' Justin Klugh play over/under with Phillies player projections and spoke out who ZiPS thinks will win the NL East.

On Monday, Harrison Bader signed a two year deal with the San Francisco Giants that pays him a little over $10 million a year. Why didn't the Phillies try to beat that? On Episode 1043 of Hittin' Season, John Stolnis of The Good Phight, Justin Klugh from Baseball Prospectus and Liz Roscher, the editor of SABR's Baseball Research Journal, discuss the signing and the state of the Phillies outfield. It's all apart of a Mailbag Edition of the podcast!

Chase Utley isn't a Hall of Famer yet, but with the votes in for this year's class, it's clear the Phillies second baseman is on a glidepath to eventual enshrinement. On Episode 1041 of Hittin' Season, John Stolnis of The Good Phight and Baseball Prospectus' Justin Klugh talk about how all the Phillies fared on this year's ballot, which current Phils players could be Hall of Famers, and preview next year's hilariously bad Phillies class. Also, Dave Dombrowski and Rob Thomson spoke to reporters Tuesday to reassure a fanbase uninspired by this off-season, and we look at which positions on the field the Phillies might improve on from 2025.

After seemingly being on the verge of signing a free agent contract with the Phillies, Bo Bichette is instead a Met, crushing the hopes of Phils fans everywhere. What the heck happened? On Episode 1041 of Hittin' Season, John Stolnis, Liz Roscher and Justin Klugh dissect what went wrong and also talk about J.T. Realmuto finally agreeing to a new deal that some say is a pretty big overpay.

The Phillies met with free agent infielder Bo Bichette on Monday, a surprising turn of events that could land the superstar in Philadelphia. Will they actually land him? If so, what does it mean for the rest of the roster? On the latest Hittin' Season, powered by WHYY, John Stolnis, Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher discuss all angles of a potentially huge free agent signing for the Phillies.

Are the Phillies really considering signing Bo Bichette to a free agent contract? And can new bench coach Don Mattingly help bring him to Philly? Probably not, but John Stolnis of The Good Phight, Baseball Prospectus' Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher of SABR's Baseball Research Journal discuss all that on Episode 1039 of Hittin' Season, powered by WHYY, plus J.T. Realmuto's continued absence, Japanese players going elsewhere, and the slew of free agents that remain on the market!

The waiver wire may have been quiet, but there's no shortage of Phillies items to hit on a new Hittin' Season, hosted by The Good Phight's John Stolnis and Justin Klugh of Baseball Prospectus. What about Bryce Harper wearing a Not Elite T-shirt? Does Dave Dombrowski give the Phillies an edge over other GMs? And does the Phils outfield have a chance to be the worst in baseball? Surely not! Also, when is J.T. Realmuto going to sign?

One thing the Phillies won't be running back in 2026 is the same bullpen we saw in '25. After signing Brad Keller and trading away Matt Strahm, the Phils are approaching relief pitching differently this off-season. On this episode of Hittin' Season, from WHYY, John Stolnis, Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher tackle those deals, discuss why J.T. Realmuto remains unsigned and the back-up plans if they can't get a deal done, the White Sox signing a Japanese slugger and what it means for the Phillies, and a Phils-themed piece of merchandise we feel is missing from your Christmas wish lists.

The Phillies appear to be done tinkering with their outfield after signing free agent Adolis Garcia to be their new everyday right fielder. On this episode of Hittin' Season, from WHYY, John Stolnis, Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher discuss the signing, what the 2026 outfield looks like, what it says about Justin Crawford and Harrison Bader, and Dave Dombrowski's off-season plan thus far. Also, an analysis of what the Braves and Mets have done over the last week.

Kyle Schwarber is back with the Phillies. What does it mean for the team, their window of contention and their ability to add to the MLB roster this winter? Hosts John Stolnis, Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher discuss the Schwarber deal, what's next for Dave Dombrowski and the front office, as well as Rob Thomson's contract extension and the Mets losing closer Edwin Diaz to the Dodgers on Episode 1035 of Hittin' Season, powered by WHYY!

On Episode 1034 of Hittin' Season, powered by WHYY, John Stolnis of The Good Phight, Justin Klugh from Baseball Prospectus and Liz Roscher, Editor of SABR's Baseball Research Journal preview this week's Winter Meetings in Orlando. Most people believe Schwarber will re-sign with the Phils this week, but what if he doesn't? Where could he go? What would the Phillies do if that happens? Plus, each host shares an "under the radar" player they'd target, Japanese free agents of interest, and some time is spent discussing Bryce Harper's curious health regimen.

On Episode 1033 of Hittin' Season, powered by WHYY, The Good Phight's John Stolnis, Justin Klugh of Baseball Prospectus and Liz Roscher, editor of the SABR Baseball Research Journal discusses the latest rumors on Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto, Ketel Marte trade ideas, a Japanese pitcher we'd all like to see, and various hot take Phillies topics that may have landed you in a fight at Thanksgiving, courtesy of That Ball's Outta Here! https://thatballsouttahere.com/8-phillies-hot-takes-to-fight-about-over-thanksgiving-dinner?page_source=v_recirc

On Episode 1032 of Hittin' Season, The Good Phight's John Stolnis, Justin Klugh of Baseball Prospectus and Liz Roscher, Editor of SABR's Baseball Research Journal discuss the trades involving Taylor Ward, Marcus Semien and Brandon Nimmo and how they affect the Phillies, the chances Kyle Schwarber signs with the Pirates or Reds, three non-tendered players of potential interest, and an interview with MLB.com's Todd Zolecki on the 20th anniversary of the trade that sent Jim Thome away from the Phillies to make room for Ryan Howard. Powered by WHYY!

Could we see the Hot Stove start to warm up this week for the Phillies? On Episode 1031 of Hittin' Season, from WHYY in Philadelphia, John Stolnis of The Good Phight and Baseball Prospectus' Justin Klugh discuss some deadlines coming this week that could result in some transaction for your Phils. Plus, how long will the Phillies wait for Kyle Schwarber to sign, and are they getting aggressive with a Japanese slugger while they wait? Also, we talk with Matt Winkelman of Phillies Minor Thoughts about the Arizona Fall League and for a 50-foot view of the farm system, as well as some Andrew Painter thoughts.

On Episode 1030 of Hittin' Season, from WHYY, The Good Phight's John Stolnis, Justin Klugh of Baseball Prospectus and Liz Roscher, editor of SABR's Baseball Research Journal, try to figure out what outfield prospect Justin Crawford's role on the Phillies will be in 2026. Center field? Left? Can he hit at the big league level? Plus, more on the Phils' plans for the outfield, Bryce Harper threatened by an MLB executive and a Japanese hitter the gang really likes.