3 Phillies players who’ll be better in 2023, and 2 who won’t

Why Phillies pitcher Bailey Falter will have a worse season

Bailey Falter was an unsung hero for the 2022 Phillies. He made 16 starts and 4 relief appearances for the ball club, eating up 84 innings. He came away with a 3.86 ERA. The Phillies even called upon him to start a game in the NLCS although he didn’t even get through the first inning.

Falter built a strong case last year in the majors and minors to be a legitimate big league start. He was 4-1 with a 1.91 ERA through 9 starts in Triple-A. Somewhat quietly, Falter has risen up through the farm system and given every team he has played for nothing but goodness.

His 2022 success continues to feel like a bit of an anomaly. Falter could end up as a good MLB starter. The 4.65 FIP from last season, however, suggests he was more lucky than good.

Falter will live up to his last name a bit more in 2023 and falter on the mound. He fits in best with the Phillies as a sixth starter. Unless they make another roster addition, it does seem like he’ll be the fifth starter.

We should expect a little less from him in 2023. The Phillies should already have their eyes on potential roster upgrades. Falter will have a chance to prove doubters wrong. After getting shelled in his single postseason appearance, it’s likely something he has had on his mind all winter.