Previously, the Phillies had a few ‘okay’ seasons. However, with three new players thriving off the adrenaline of being traded to Philadelphia, we are seeing the change begin.
For the 2019 season, the Phillies were able to sign the notable Bryce Harper, J.T. Realmuto and Jean Segura. Each of these players will bring new and noteworthy plays to the Phillies. If you follow the Phillies, you can already see the positive changes.
Bryce Harper, a Phillies outfielder, went home to DC recently as the Phillies played the Nationals. He said, in an Instagram post, that the Nationals had been his home for seven seasons, even if he walks onto that field wearing a different jersey, he has love for that team. Harper also told ESPN that he has the city of Philadelphia behind him “each and every night. And if I have that, nothing else matters.” Although he has made the switch, he seems to be love the new set of fans who continuously support him. Harper signed a 13-year contract with the Phillies, and plans to stay on for the duration of his contract.
J.T. Realmuto, the Phillies catcher, recently had a throwback experience as the Phillies played the Marlins in Miami on April 13. He played his first five major league seasons with the Marlins. The new trade allows him to be an All-Star catcher in front of much larger – and rowdier – crowds. Phillies fans are known for their intensity which is a difference compared to the crowd cheering for the Marlins, he mentioned to ESPN. Considering the season he has had so far and the city itself, he is thinking of an extension past his 2020 contract.
Jean Segura, an all-star new Phillies infielder, was traded from the Mariners and it required him to waive his no-trade deal to join. Segura signed a 5 year deal with the Phillies with an option to last him until 2023. Last season, he was named the American League All-Star, and with his new addition to the team, we can expect big things to come the Phillies’ way. Since 2016, Segura had been a big part of the Mariners after moving from the Diamondbacks, and we can hope that he will bring the same sort of ferocity to Philadelphia.
Harper has said in a recent interview that he wants to do what he couldn’t with the Nationals, bring a World Series title to Philadelphia. We can expect the players to be upping their game and determined to win a title this season.
Even though the 2021-2025 sites have not been announced, there is a meeting on Tuesday to discuss the possibility of the MLB All-Star game being held in Philadelphia in 2026. It is also not a coincidence this will be the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Source: ESPN
Megan Keating 
Natasha Chaillou 
Paul McConnell