When the 2026 MLB season kicked off, many expected the National League East to be a tough, exhausting battle. But so far, it’s quickly become an early-season disaster for the Philadelphia Phillies.
At the start of last month, it wouldn’t have shocked anyone to see the Phillies and New York Mets tied in the standings by the end of April. What no one could have predicted, though, is that tie would be for dead last in the NL East.
Yet here they are. As of Sunday’s games, both teams sit at 9-19, locked in last place behind the Braves, Marlins, and Nationals. Yes, you read that right.
It’s only the final week of April, with plenty of baseball still ahead. You can’t win a division or grab a playoff berth this early. But you can dig yourself into a hole that’s tough to climb out of later. On Monday morning, Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report released his latest MLB Power Rankings, and the outlook for the Phillies was grim.
Phillies Hit Bottom in Latest Power Rankings
Over the past week, Philadelphia got swept in a four-game set by the Chicago Cubs and lost two of three to Atlanta. They did snap a 10-game losing streak in dramatic fashion a 10-inning win in Atlanta, thanks to Zack Wheeler’s first start since last August. But any positive momentum faded fast, as Aaron Nola was roughed up again in a 6-2 loss on Sunday.
Miller wrote: “It’s still early, but it might be time to consider what the Phillies could be willing to sell at the trade deadline.”
Early as it is, the trade deadline is never far from anyone’s mind. This year it’s been moved to early August still over three months away. But if the Phillies don’t turn things around, trade rumors will start swirling.
Philadelphia’s situation has gotten so bad that they fell from No. 27 to No. 30 dead last in Miller’s rankings. Last week, that spot belonged to the Mets after being swept at home by the Rockies. Getting swept by Colorado at home would normally put you at the bottom, but the Phillies’ struggles have taken over that position.
Big Changes Could Be Coming for the Phillies
Firing a manager in April is rare, but the Red Sox did exactly that with Alex Cora on Saturday night. Suddenly, he’s one of the top available managers on the market. Could that spark other early-season moves? And if so, will Phillies president Dave Dombrowski act?
Philadelphia heads home to face the San Francisco Giants. If the team doesn’t improve quickly, manager Rob Thomson’s seat will get very warm. With Cora now a free agent and likely to land another job, Dombrowski might be quick to pull the trigger. If not, the Phillies will have to seriously consider which players could be traded. A pivotal week lies ahead in Philadelphia.
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