#27 | Midseason Review: Grades, Awards, & Predictions

#27 | Midseason Review: Grades, Awards, & Predictions

At the halfway point of the 2026 season, Josh and Austin are taking a complete look at the Philadelphia Phillies roster, grading every position group, handing out midseason awards, and identifying the club's biggest strengths and weaknesses.  The guys also debate trade deadline priorities, make over/under predictions for the remainder of the season, and look ahead to a pivotal stretch that could shape the NL East race.  What will it take for the Phillies to win the division and be a true title contender in October? This episode of Catchin’ Phils covers the most important topics.  Follow and leave a five-star review for Catchin’ Phils: A Phillies Podcast on ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/2NoUbI6MGPd56jbtej2F9n?si=e7cf1113d4e848f9], ⁠⁠⁠Apple⁠ [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/catchin-phils-a-phillies-podcast/id1879593175]⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠ [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/2d35d365-0cb3-461d-8272-f19214a0145c/catchin'-phils-a-phillies-podcast]⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠iHeartRadio⁠ [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-catchin-phils-a-phillies-p-324485666/about]⁠⁠, and subscribe to Josh Liddick (⁠⁠⁠Red Pinstripe Press⁠ [https://redpinstripepress.substack.com/]⁠⁠) and Austin Myers (⁠⁠⁠Phillies Perspective⁠ [https://philliesperspective.substack.com/]⁠⁠) on Substack to get their latest work straight to your inbox. The podcast is also streaming weekly on the Catchin' Phils ⁠⁠⁠YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@CatchinPhillies/featured]. Timestamps: 00:00 - Season overview and the importance of midseason evaluation 02:22 - Phillies' recent series recap and current standing 07:47 - Revisiting midseason team grades from Memorial Day 08:40 - Offense grade update: strengths and areas for growth 10:12 - Defensive metrics and standout defenders 14:20 - Starting rotation's performance, key arms, and concerns 18:37 - Bullpen deep dive: strengths, weaknesses, and trade possibilities 36:07 - Bench evaluation: concerns and potential improvements 42:50 - Manager Don Mattingley's leadership and coach of the year considerations 46:51 - Midseason awards: rookies, MVP, and most disappointing player 66:10 - Season over/under predictions for home runs and wins 69:28 - division outlook and race prediction: Phillies vs. Braves 73:06 - Looking ahead: trade deadline and upcoming series against Royals

#26 | Phillies Close the Gap: 3 Games Back After Wild Week

The Phillies continue their remarkable turnaround, and after another 5-2 road trip, they're suddenly within striking distance of the top spot in the NL East. In this episode of Catchin' Phils, Josh and Austin break down the Phillies' historic comeback wins against the Nationals before recapping an impressive series victory over the Mets. They discuss the resilience that's become the identity of this club under interim manager Don Mattingly, how role players like Derek Hill have stepped up in huge moments, and why the offense continues to find new ways to win games even when the starting pitching isn't at its best. The conversation also turns to Zack Wheeler's dominant season and growing Cy Young candidacy, whether he deserves the honor of starting the All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park, Kyle Schwarber's march toward another 50-plus home run season, and Trea Turner's encouraging offensive resurgence. Plus, the guys debate whether this Phillies team has what it takes to finally bring another World Series title to Philadelphia. Finally, Josh and Austin preview a four-game series against the Pirates at Citizens Bank Park before looking ahead to the Phillies' final road trip before the All-Star break. Follow and leave a five-star review for Catchin’ Phils: A Phillies Podcast on ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/2NoUbI6MGPd56jbtej2F9n?si=e7cf1113d4e848f9], ⁠⁠⁠Apple⁠ [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/catchin-phils-a-phillies-podcast/id1879593175]⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠ [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/2d35d365-0cb3-461d-8272-f19214a0145c/catchin'-phils-a-phillies-podcast]⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠iHeartRadio⁠ [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-catchin-phils-a-phillies-p-324485666/about]⁠⁠, and subscribe to Josh Liddick (⁠⁠⁠Red Pinstripe Press⁠ [https://redpinstripepress.substack.com/]⁠⁠) and Austin Myers (⁠⁠⁠Phillies Perspective⁠ [https://philliesperspective.substack.com/]⁠⁠) on Substack to get their latest work straight to your inbox. The podcast is also streaming weekly on the Catchin' Phils ⁠⁠⁠YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@CatchinPhillies/featured].

#25 | A Weekend for the Record Books

History was made this weekend in Philadelphia. Josh and Austin break down the Phillies’  statement series win over the Mets, highlighted by Bryce Harper’s first career cycle, Kyle Schwarber’s three-home run explosion, and one of the wildest offensive performances in franchise history. The guys discuss why Harper and Schwarber are the engine that can carry the Phillies through October, Zack Wheeler and Cristopher Sánchez continuing to anchor one of baseball’s best rotations, Don Mattingly’s decision to trust his ace in a key moment Sunday night, and why the club’s response after dropping the series opener says plenty about its championship potential. Plus, a quick preview of the Phillies’ four-game series against the Nationals as Philadelphia looks to keep its momentum rolling. Follow and leave a five-star review for Catchin’ Phils: A Phillies Podcast on ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/2NoUbI6MGPd56jbtej2F9n?si=e7cf1113d4e848f9], ⁠⁠⁠Apple⁠ [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/catchin-phils-a-phillies-podcast/id1879593175]⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠ [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/2d35d365-0cb3-461d-8272-f19214a0145c/catchin'-phils-a-phillies-podcast]⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠iHeartRadio⁠ [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-catchin-phils-a-phillies-p-324485666/about]⁠⁠, and subscribe to Josh Liddick (⁠⁠⁠Red Pinstripe Press⁠ [https://redpinstripepress.substack.com/]⁠⁠) and Austin Myers (⁠⁠⁠Phillies Perspective⁠ [https://philliesperspective.substack.com/]⁠⁠) on Substack to get their latest work straight to your inbox. The podcast is also streaming weekly on the Catchin' Phils ⁠⁠⁠YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@CatchinPhillies/featured].

#24 | Phillies-Mets Preview w/ Shea Hello’s Casey Lynn

Returning home to Citizens Bank Park this week, Josh recaps the Phillies’ latest series against the Miami Marlins. The Phillies continued their strong play by taking care of business, taking two of three games against a divisional opponent, getting key contributions throughout the lineup, and building momentum heading into one of their biggest series of the season. Then, Josh and Austin are joined by Casey Lynn from the Shea Hello Newsletter to preview the first Phillies-Mets series of the season this weekend in Philadelphia. The guys talk with Casey about his journey covering the Mets and dive into New York's up-and-down first half, what's gone wrong, what's gone right, potential trade-deadline needs, and whether the Mets can make a second-half push in the National League. Plus, a full breakdown of this weekend's Phillies-Mets showdown at Citizens Bank Park, including key matchups, X-factors, players to watch, predictions for the season series, and a discussion about their favorite memories from this storied rivalry. Follow Casey and subscribe to the Shea Hello Newsletter [https://sheahellonewsletter.substack.com/] on Substack for more quality Mets coverage. Follow and leave a five-star review for Catchin’ Phils: A Phillies Podcast on ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/2NoUbI6MGPd56jbtej2F9n?si=e7cf1113d4e848f9], ⁠⁠⁠Apple⁠ [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/catchin-phils-a-phillies-podcast/id1879593175]⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠ [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/2d35d365-0cb3-461d-8272-f19214a0145c/catchin'-phils-a-phillies-podcast]⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠iHeartRadio⁠ [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-catchin-phils-a-phillies-p-324485666/about]⁠⁠, and subscribe to Josh Liddick (⁠⁠⁠Red Pinstripe Press⁠ [https://redpinstripepress.substack.com/]⁠⁠) and Austin Myers (⁠⁠⁠Phillies Perspective⁠ [https://philliesperspective.substack.com/]⁠⁠) on Substack to get their latest work straight to your inbox. The podcast is also streaming weekly on the Catchin' Phils ⁠⁠⁠YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@CatchinPhillies/featured]. 0:20 - Introduction 1:08 - Phillies vs. Marlins Recap 16:28 - Interview with Shea Hello’s Casey Lynn discussing the Mets and the upcoming series. 19:36 - Discussion on the Mets' season performance and challenges. 33:16 - Speculations on the Mets' strategy for the trade deadline. 55:06 - Reflections on memorable moments in the Phillies-Mets rivalry.

#23 | Can the Phillies Contend in a Stacked National League?

The Phillies returned from Milwaukee with more questions than answers after dropping two of three to the Brewers. We break down a frustrating weekend that featured a historic performance from Jacob Misiorowski, another shaky outing from Andrew Painter, and the first real stumble in months from Cristopher Sánchez. Can Aaron Nola still be trusted to provide quality innings down the stretch? Is the Phillies' opener strategy helping Painter's development? And just how much did Sánchez's Cy Young candidacy take a hit after Sunday's loss? Plus, we zoom out to the bigger picture. The Phillies remain firmly in the playoff hunt, but their struggles against left-handed pitching, lack of right-handed power, and concerning run differential raise legitimate questions about their championship ceiling. With the trade deadline approaching, we discuss potential targets and what Dave Dombrowski should be willing to part with to upgrade the roster. Finally, we preview a crucial series against the Marlins at Citizens Bank Park, featuring Zack Wheeler, Jesús Luzardo, and Andrew Painter on the mound. What should Phillies fans be watching for as Philadelphia looks to regain momentum? Follow and leave a five-star review for Catchin’ Phils: A Phillies Podcast on ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/2NoUbI6MGPd56jbtej2F9n?si=e7cf1113d4e848f9], ⁠⁠⁠Apple⁠ [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/catchin-phils-a-phillies-podcast/id1879593175]⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠ [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/2d35d365-0cb3-461d-8272-f19214a0145c/catchin'-phils-a-phillies-podcast]⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠iHeartRadio⁠ [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-catchin-phils-a-phillies-p-324485666/about]⁠⁠, and subscribe to Josh Liddick (⁠⁠⁠Red Pinstripe Press⁠ [https://redpinstripepress.substack.com/]⁠⁠) and Austin Myers (⁠⁠⁠Phillies Perspective⁠ [https://philliesperspective.substack.com/]⁠⁠) on Substack to get their latest work straight to your inbox. The podcast is also streaming weekly on the Catchin' Phils ⁠⁠⁠YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@CatchinPhillies/featured]. Chapters list:  00:00 Introduction to the Phillies Podcast 00:18 Introduction and Series Overview 03:13 Jacob Mizorowski's Historic Performance 06:05 Impact on Cy Young Race 09:25 Aaron Nola's Inconsistency 12:25 The Opener Strategy and Andrew Painter 18:15 Future Considerations for Andrew Painter 27:02 Developmental Pathways in Modern Baseball 28:10 Addressing the Phillies' Offensive Weaknesses 29:03 Trade Talks: Seeking Right-Handed Bats 31:52 Evaluating Potential Trade Targets 36:02 The Trade Deadline Dilemma 40:03 Assessing the Phillies' Contender Status 43:57 Looking Ahead: Series Against the Marlins