There is plenty of pessimism surrounding the Phillies and it is, of course, understandable.
The franchise opened their contention window prior to the 2018 season and, over the last three years, failed to finish any of those campaigns with a winning record, let alone a playoff berth. One could argue the Atlanta Braves, Miami Marlins, Washington Nationals and New York Mets have all passed them (or soon will) in the NL East, the front office was dragged kicking and screaming into addressing their front office uncertainties over the last week, and owner John Middleton has hinted he will reduce payroll ahead of the 2021 season.