The Philadelphia Phillies have some decisions to make with their rotation before Opening Day. While some pitchers are a lock to be in the rotation, there is still some sorting out to do, especially in the back of the rotation.
With how the roster currently looks, here’s what Philadelphia’s could look like once Opening Day rolls around.
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Christopher Sanchez is coming off a true breakout season with the Phillies, logging a career-best 2.50 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP. Even though the 29-year-old was technically an All-Star, he certainly pitched like one.
The only question about Sanchez’s status in the rotation is whether or not he’ll be the Opening Day starter, or if that honor will go to someone else on the roster.
Apr 30, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cristopher Sanchez (61) pitches against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Jesus Luzardo is coming off a stellar debut season with the Phillies. The left-hander registered a 3.92 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP in 32 starts during his first year in Philadelphia. Coming off a season with those numbers, the Phillies should be even more excited about how the 28-year-old will perform after a full offseason in the organization.
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There’s no doubt that Luzardo will be in the Opening Day starting rotation.
Aaron Nola didn’t have a stellar season with the Phillies, registering a 6.01 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP in 17 starts. Still, the 32-year-old has a strong track record as a starting pitcher, and Philadelphia certainly needs the depth.
Even if Nola never returns to the ace status he had earlier in his career, the right-hander remains a strong veteran presence for the Phillies to have, and barring injury or an unforeseen move, he should have a spot in the rotation in some capacity.
The back of Philadelphia’s rotation needs some sorting through, but tight now, one of their best options for one of the final spots in the bullpen is Taijuan Walker.
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The 33-year-old was much more efficient as a reliever last season, but the Phillies need some starter depth, especially with Zack Wheeler’s status uncertain for the start of the year. Walker has the experience as a starter, so the Phillies starting the season with him in the picture makes sense with how the roster currently looks.
The Phillies’ top prospect has a chance at joining the rotation right out of the gate, unless Philadelphia does sign a veteran arm.
Andrew Painter had some troubles at Triple-A last season, but the Phillies may need the 22-year-old to step up and take a rotation spot from the get-go next season. A