Things haven’t exactly gone according to plan for the Philadelphia Phillies lately. After a hot start to the 2025 MLB season, they’ve hit a rough patch. Just a week ago, they were neck-and-neck with the New York Mets in the race for the NL East crown. But a recent four-game skid—capped off by a sweep at Citi Field at the hands of the Mets—has knocked them out of first place and back into the middle of the division.
To right the ship, the Phillies will need some underperforming players to step up before it’s too late. Let’s examine three Phillies who are firmly on the hot seat following the team’s recent struggles.
3 Phillies Players Feeling the Heat After Four Straight Losses
Jordan Romano, RHP
Brought in to reinforce the bullpen after the departures of Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estévez, Jordan Romano has been nothing short of a disappointment so far. Expected to be a stabilizing force, the veteran reliever has stumbled badly through his first month with the team.
In 11 appearances, the 32-year-old owns a brutal 13.50 ERA and a 2.25 WHIP, allowing 14 earned runs in just 9 1/3 innings, with six walks and only nine strikeouts. Things hit a low point when he nearly coughed up a seven-run lead against Miami and later surrendered the tying and winning runs in extras against the Mets. If he doesn’t turn things around quickly, his role in the bullpen could be in jeopardy.
Max Kepler, OF
Signed in the offseason on a one-year, $10 million deal, Max Kepler was expected to provide some veteran stability and pop to the Phillies’ outfield. He impressed in spring training, hitting .375 with a 1.175 OPS, but that form hasn’t translated into the regular season.
So far, Kepler is batting a modest .244 with just one home run and four RBIs in 22 games. What’s more concerning is his performance in clutch situations—he’s hitting just .050 with runners in scoring position. His missed opportunity with the bases loaded in extra innings against the Mets was a prime example. If he doesn’t improve soon, his everyday role could be in jeopardy.
Brandon Marsh, OF
While it might seem harsh to single out an injured player, Brandon Marsh’s struggles before landing on the IL have been impossible to ignore. Coming off back-to-back productive seasons, expectations were high for the 27-year-old in 2025. But so far, it’s been a nightmare.
Marsh is hitting a mere .095 with a .387 OPS, collecting just four hits in 17 games. He had a hitless streak that spanned 14 games and 31 at-bats before his injury. With others in the lineup also slumping, it’s hard to see Marsh being the answer when he returns—unless he impresses during his rehab stint.