Philadelphia Phillies fans question the missed opportunity with Eugenio Suarez, but did his defensive woes and positional fit make him a nonstarter for Citizens Bank Park? Connor Thomas evaluates why Suarez’s power bat never aligned with the team’s roster priorities, and how existing contracts for Alec Bohm and Nick Castellanos complicate mid-offseason moves.

Connor projects Cristopher Sanchez’s upcoming season after his Cy Young runner-up campaign, analyzing his rising velocity, innings durability, and the Phillies’ pitching depth. The episode spotlights Justin Crawford’s outfield development, citing new insights from The Athletic and mentorship with Gold Glove winner Eric Davis. Key talking points include the Phillies’ defensive scheme, potential trade hurdles, and Crawford’s readiness for center field. Is this the lineup that will fuel a playoff push, or are further adjustments needed before Opening Day?

0:00 – Suarez to Reds: Phillies Fit?
Connor Thomas opens the show discussing Eugenio Suarez signing with the Cincinnati Reds and analyzes why Suarez wouldn’t have worked for the Phillies, including roster and defensive limitations and contract logistics.

11:08 – Cristopher Sanchez Season Preview
Connor Thomas breaks down why Cristopher Sanchez is poised for another strong year in the Phillies rotation, detailing his performance metrics, development, and projections for the upcoming season.

23:19 – Justin Crawford Center Field Development
Connor Thomas covers insights from a recent Athletic article about Justin Crawford’s offseason work with Eric Davis, evaluating whether Crawford is ready to play center field and what the organization is watching for.

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The Philadelphia Phillies explore pitching depth as free agency options dwindle. Could a veteran ace like Justin Verlander or Max Scherzer join the rotation, or is Chris Bassitt the underrated fit the team needs for Opening Day stability?

Connor Thomas assesses the Phillies' thin starting rotation, roster decisions, and new utility infielder Dylan Moore’s potential impact. He spotlights key spring training storylines, including Andrew Painter’s return, Justin Crawford’s readiness for center field, and Bryce Harper’s quest for resurgence. With questions swirling about the team’s health and readiness for another postseason push, Locked On Phillies gears up for a five-episode week just as the action at Clearwater heats up.

0:00 – Phillies’ Starter Options
Connor Thomas explores the Phillies’ current rotation depth concerns, reviews why a depth starting pitcher is needed, and breaks down notable remaining free agent options—highlighting pros and cons of big names like Chris Bassitt, Justin Verlander, and others.

11:53 – Dylan Moore Signing & Offseason Moves
Shift in discussion to the recent signing of Dylan Moore on a minor league deal, exploring his fit and the significance (or lack thereof) of these depth transactions at this point in the offseason.

21:34 – Spring Training Storylines
Connor Thomas outlines key topics to watch as spring training approaches: how Justin Crawford fits in center field, Andrew Painter’s potential impact (and health), expectations for Bryce Harper, and other quick notes for camp intrigue.

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

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