Here's what AI thinks the Phillies need to change for next year
I live in a Baseball house. Both my son's play baseball and when my daughter and two youngest sons are old enough, they'll play baseball too. (I have 5 kids total). So, when the Phillies lost to the Mets, let's just say we were disappointed. But the good thing about sports...
There's always next year. Now, I don't know much about managing a team. But I believe AI does. Let's see what changes AI recommends for the Phillies to win the world series next year. I start out easy and open and finish with asking it directly.
What changes do the Phillies need to make to win the World Series next year?
AI recommended 5 changes.
Strengthen the bullpen: Microsoft Copilot believes the Phillies need better pitching.
Improve defense: The infield needs some work.
Healthy Harper: Get Bryce Harper healthy and keep him healthy.
Hitting coach: AI didn't recommend but stated "some suggest" a new hitting coach.
Depth in starting rotation: Adding depth to the starting pitchers can keep things fresh and help manage workload.
Pay scale verse performance
Next, I was curious on what players are getting paid the most verse what AI believes the player is worth. So, I first asked AI to get how much each player is paid. Then I asked AI to assign a score to each player, ensuring that the total score adds up to 183. (That's the amount the players are paid in total).
The chart below shows the player's name, followed by their current pay, followed by what AI believes the player is worth.
- Bryce Harper: $27.5 | 30
- Trea Turner: $27.3 | 28
- Zack Wheeler: $24.5 | 25
- J.T. Realmuto: $23.8 | 23
- Nick Castellanos: $20 | 20
- Kyle Schwarber: $20 | 20
- Aaron Nola: $16 | 18
- Taijuan Walker: $18 | 10
- Ranger Suárez: $3.5 | 5
- Alec Bohm: $2.5 | 4
I'm surprised AI agrees with virtually everyone with the exception of Taijuan Walker.
Who are the top players on the Phillies?
AI believes Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, and Zach Wheeler to be the all-stars on the Phillies. Bryce for his offensive force, Trea for speed and versatility and Zach for his pitching it's no wonder those three are pulling the biggest contracts.
What are the Phillies strengths?
AI does believe in the Phillies starting pitchers and strong batters. It's a surprise and a bit confusing since it recommended switching out their batting coach. But once I asked about weaknesses it clarified.
What are the Phillies weaknesses?
AI does believe in the Phillies starting pitchers, but they need better relief pitchers. It also mentioned that their star batters are strong but lack depth in the batting lineup.
AI wants to see the Phillies improve their bullpen pitchers and add depth to the pitching squad. It recommends picking up Juan Soto for his offensive threat and outfielder skills. It also wants to see them improve on their infielder skills.
Off the beaten path
Lastly, I asked AI "What's something that could help the Phillies improve that's a little more off the beaten path?" It said...
It recommended an unconventional approach to focus on mental conditioning and resilience training. This involves working with sports psychologists to enhance players’ mental toughness, focus, and ability to handle pressure.
If you were the manager, what changes would you make?
Here's the list of changes AI would make if it were the manager of the Phillies:
- Sign Juan Soto: Acquiring a superstar would surely boost the offensive capabilities.
- Re-sign key relievers: Bring back Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estévez.
- Upgrade center field: Acquire a reliable center fielder like Luis Robert from the Chicago White Sox.
- Promote Andrew Painter: Integrate Andew into the starting rotation.
- Replace hitting coach: Hire Al LeBoeuf as the Phillies’ hitting coach
- Mental conditioning program: Create a complete mental conditioning program to enhance players’ focus and resilience
- Advanced analytics: Use analytics to optimize player positions, pitch selection, and batting strategies.