The Philadelphia Phillies have stormed through the 2025 season with the swagger of a team that knows it belongs at the top. Much of the credit has gone to the team’s marquee names — Bryce Harper, Zack Wheeler, and Kyle Schwarber — but beneath the surface, several players who were once questioned or criticized have emerged as major contributors. It’s time to give credit where it’s due.
Here are two Phillies players who have silenced the doubters — and one who still has more work to do.
Not long ago, Alec Bohm was viewed as a defensive liability and an inconsistent offensive presence. Despite showing flashes of potential since debuting in 2020, Bohm struggled with both glove and bat at various points, leaving fans unsure of his long-term role.
But in 2025, Bohm has turned the corner. He’s been one of the most reliable bats in the Phillies’ lineup, flirting with a .300 average and showing increased gap power. Even more impressively, his defense at third base — once a clear weakness — has become serviceable, if not above average, thanks to improved footwork and positioning.
Bohm’s consistency has been crucial to Philadelphia’s success, and the numbers back it up. He’s driven in key runs, avoided prolonged slumps, and played with a confidence that’s infectious. The critics who once called for him to be benched or traded owe him a serious apology
Ranger Suárez entered the Phillies’ rotation as a bit of an enigma. While he’d flashed brilliance in relief roles and short spurts as a starter, many wondered if he had the stamina and stuff to be a consistent rotation arm over a full season.
In 2025, Suárez hasn’t just answered the call — he’s surpassed expectations. He’s posted one of the best ERAs in the National League for much of the season, showing elite command and a calm demeanor on the mound. His ability to mix pitches, work out of jams, and deliver in high-leverage situations has given the Phillies a reliable option beyond Wheeler and Nola.
For a pitcher who was once considered a backend rotation filler or swingman, Suárez has established himself as one of the most valuable arms on the staff. The doubters? They were wrong.
Nick Castellanos remains one of the Phillies’ most polarizing players. After a disappointing 2022, he bounced back in 2023 with a strong offensive campaign. However, 2025 has been a rollercoaster. While Castellanos still brings power and occasional clutch hits, his inconsistency at the plate and below-average defense continue to frustrate fans.
Castellanos has had stretches where he looks like the All-Star version of himself, but they’ve been overshadowed by long slumps and questionable at-bats. His swing decisions remain erratic at times, and his inability to adapt during tough stretches has limited his impact.
While it’s too early to give up on Castellanos entirely — especially given his proven track record and clubhouse presence — he hasn’t quite earned back the full trust of the fan base. The apology tour will have to wait.
The 2025 Phillies are a deep, resilient, and dangerous team — and much of that is thanks to players who have stepped up and silenced the doubters. Alec Bohm and Ranger Suárez have transformed from question marks into cornerstones. Nick Castellanos still has a chance to join that list — but he’ll need to find consistency down the stretch.
In Philadelphia, redemption is earned. And this season, some players have earned it in a big way.
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