The Philadelphia Phillies’ search for a reliable leadoff hitter has been a recurring storyline in recent seasons. While Kyle Schwarber held his own in the role during the 2024 campaign, the current 2025 MLB season has seen a shift in approach. Manager Rob Thomson appears increasingly satisfied with the club’s recent changes to the top of the batting order.
Ahead of the Phillies’ series against the Tampa Bay Rays, Thomson addressed the importance of the leadoff spot, signaling his growing confidence in second baseman Bryson Stott. The 26-year-old has received consistent opportunities to open games this season, and with a six-game road trip underway, the manager seems committed to maintaining that approach.
“For the time being, sure. He’s having good at-bats,“ Thomson said, as reported by Matt Gelb of The Athletic, signaling his endorsement of Stott’s continued role as the team’s table-setter. Asked about the reasoning behind the decision, Thomson offered a pointed response underscoring Stott’s impact at the top of the order.
Thomson confident in Stott’s on-base ability
“Well, he’s been getting on base. If you’re doing that, you’re pretty darn good. Especially with Trea [Turner] being .380 [OBP] right behind him and Schwarber’s what, .400 [OBP]? I mean, those guys get on base, we’re going to score runs,” Thomson noted, emphasizing the value Stott brings in creating run-scoring opportunities.
Bryson Stott #5 of the Philadelphia Phillies at bat during a game against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park on April 30, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
While Trea Turner and Kyle Schwarber remain viable options, the emergence of Stott offers the Phillies a versatile and strategic leadoff approach. With Stott typically deployed against right-handed starters and Turner as an option against left-handers, Thomson appears to be building a more matchup-driven top of the order.
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Stott embracing opportunity at the top
Stott admitted that his leadoff assignment initially caught him off guard: “I was like, ‘I’m not playing?’ Then I looked at the top and I go, ‘Oh crap, I’m hitting first,’“ he recalled. Despite the surprise, Stott has embraced the role with confidence and production. In 17 games as the leadoff hitter, he is batting .270 with a .321 on-base percentage and a .713 OPS.
Even before being given the opportunity, Stott believed he was capable of leading off. “I mean, it’s always been Trea or Kyle, Kyle or Trea, and I was just always sitting in the back, like, ‘I think I can do it too.’ It was always just waiting for the chance,” he said.
With Stott settling into the role, the Phillies appear to have found a steady presence atop their lineup—one that blends youth, patience, and production in support of the club’s high-powered offense.
