Phillies' Best Shot at Gold Glove Might Just Be Brandon Marsh

The Phillies may have had a rocky second half of the season, but their defense was not the main issue. This was evident when the 2024 Gold Glove finalists were announced on Tuesday, with four Phillies making the shortlist. Among them is Brandon Marsh, who could be the team's best chance at taking home a Gold Glove this year.

Harper's impressive performance in his first full season at first base landed him on the list, despite tough competition from Christian Walker and Matt Olson. The Phillies were confident in Harper's athleticism and competitiveness when they moved him to the infield last season, and it's safe to say they were right.

While Zack Wheeler may not win his first Cy Young Award this year, he has a shot at a consolation prize with his nomination for the Gold Glove. However, the favorite for the award seems to be the Mets' Luis Severino.

Second baseman Bryson Stott, one of the Phillies' best defenders, is also a finalist for the Gold Glove. However, he trails behind Ketel Marte and Brice Turang in both Outs Above Average and Defensive Runs Saved. The ongoing debate about whether Stott and Trea Turner should switch positions in the Phillies' middle infield will continue, but for now, Stott makes up half of a strong right side of the infield alongside Harper.

But the Phillies' best chance at a Gold Glove may come from left fielder Brandon Marsh. While he's not a shoe-in and may not be the favorite, his impressive seven Defensive Runs Saved and zero Outs Above Average could give him an edge. Despite playing significantly fewer innings than his competitors, Marsh's impact in the short time he played could work in his favor.

Two notable players who did not make the list were catcher J.T. Realmuto and center fielder Johan Rojas. Realmuto, a two-time Gold Glove winner, had a mediocre defensive season and ranked low in Statcast's Catcher Framing Runs metric. Rojas, who was projected to possibly win the Platinum Glove this season, was not even a finalist for the Gold Glove.

While the Phillies may not have brought home any awards this year, there is still plenty of exciting content coming out of the team's end-of-season press conferences. From Thomson's plan to communicate more with Alec Bohm to Taijuan Walker's offseason program, Phillies Nation has all the must-read coverage.

In the meantime, let's hope Brandon Marsh can bring home a Gold Glove for the Phillies and make up for their early postseason exit. But even if he doesn't, at least we have the Savannah Bananas to look forward to in the offseason. Yes, you read that right - a local pitcher is living his dream as the Bananas come to Philly. Until next season, Phillies fans.