Phillies fans received welcome news on Tuesday, as MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki reported that bluechip shortstop prospect Bryson Stott will begin the year at the major league level.
The 24-year-old Stott was the Phillies first round pick in 2019 and has been on a fast track to the majors ever since. There was some speculation that a rash of bullpen injuries could preclude the team from adding Stott to the 40-man roster, but it seems President of Baseball Operations David Dombrowski has seen fit to shuffle things around in order to give the talented youngster his first crack at the big leagues.
The left side of the infield is anything but settled for the Phillies, with veteran shortstop Didi Gregorius coming off an atrocious 2021 season, and 2020 breakout third baseman Alec Bohm taking a massive step backwards last year. Stott, who has been on a tear this spring, is a natural shortstop and has played a decent amount at the hot corner lately, making him a fit at either position if manager Joe Girardi decides to bench Gregorius or Bohm.
More likely, the trio will share playing time, with Stott getting reps at both third and short, leaving each man with less than a full-time job. However, if any of the three get hot, Girardi will probably ride the hot hand for as long as he can.
A decision will need to be made by Dombrowski about the 40-man roster, as a spot will need to be opened up in order to accommodate Bryson Stott. The Phillies are a bit light on pitching depth right now, with relievers Sam Coonrod and José Alvarado battling injuries and Connor Brogdon fighting through a bout of “dead arm.”
Ordinarily this would mean no pitcher would be taken off the 40-man and exposed to waivers, but with Stott’s otherworldly spring showing, somebody will have to go. It remains to be seen whose head is on the chopping block, but fans everywhere are rejoicing that they’ll get to see Bryson Stott on the roster this Friday.