Knowing how much a World Series Ring means, Bryce Harper offered to shift positions, giving up first base during spring training if it made Philly stronger. However, it didn’t happen, but it showed the winning mindset. What happened is, they are back in the playoffs for the fourth year in a row, as October looms closer, an NL expert just dropped a reality check!

Not only did they qualify for the playoffs, but they also just clinched the NL East division for the second time. They were the first team in MLB to earn a division title this season, and they did it with a tense 6-5, 10-inning triumph over the Dodgers. They won the division by winning seven games in eight days. Almost everyone, from Bryce Harper to Kyle Schwarber, helped out in the stretch run. But as the season comes to an end, the true test is coming: is this their last dance in a Phillies Jersey to earn a World Series ring?

That’s where the NL expert takes aim in the latest ESPN column. “It’s their last hurrah, right? They have older players, some of whom will be free agents at the end of the season. I just can’t see [Bryce] Harper going his career without a ring, and this is their best chance, even without [Zack] Wheeler.” That line isn’t just criticism — it’s a call to action. If not now, then when?

And there’s a harsh truth behind what the expert said. Bryce Harper is 32 years old, locked in until 2031 with no way out, a deal worth $330M. However, age is a factor that makes every postseason opportunity more significant. So far, he has had a good year, with a batting average of about .264, 27 home runs, 73 RBIs, and an OPS of .861.

Meanwhile, Kyle Schwarber, who is also looking toward free agency, has had his bat on fire this season. Schwarber slashed .244/.371/.569 with 53 home runs, led the Phillies with 128 RBIs, collected 561 at-bats, scored 104 runs, and posted an OPS of around .940. With both key players hitting their best, this is the best chance for Philly to move on from the 2022 loss and give those veterans what they deserve.

For the Phillies, the path hasn’t been easy. The clubhouse made it so far even after the injury to their key player, Wheeler. He was a star player until being diagnosed with a blood clot that ended his season and later venous thoracic outlet syndrome.

Bryce Harper has been desperate for the win, too. When talking with Rosenthal, he said, “Our main goal is winning.” He didn’t sound like a player just going through the motions; he sounded like someone who knows time is running out. With the division title in hand and the playoffs coming up, this seems like a do-or-die moment for Bryce Harper, Schwarber, and the rest of the Phillies. To be honest, looking at their game against the Dodgers, the whole team is putting in a great effort!

Philly clinches NL East with heroics from Harper, Schwarber & other players

The Phillies spectacularly won the NL East on Monday, beating the Dodgers 6-5 in 10 innings. Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper both hit home runs, and Weston Wilson also hit a long shot. For Schwarber, this was his 53rd homer, and for Harper, it was his 27th homer of the season. Those homers established the mood and helped Philadelphia get through late rallies and tight spots.

People cheered when Harper hit a home run. He acted like every moment of the playoffs was important, grabbing teammates and pumping his fist. This is the kind of fired-up attitude that shows he recognizes how huge this might be. Schwarber’s early shot made the Dodgers have to respond all night long. Not only them, but every player helped. From Realmuto’s sacrifice fly in the 10th and David Robertson’s excellent performance in the bullpen, which got him out of a bases-loaded, one-out jam.

The club kept close when it mattered, even if Zack Wheeler wasn’t in the rotation. Ranger Suarez produced six good innings, keeping strain off the bullpen, while the offense replied to the Dodgers’ home runs by Mookie Betts, Andy Pages, and Max Muncy. The Phillies didn’t give up; they used timely hits and strong relief to win the division title.

This felt less like just another division title and more like a message: their core isn’t just getting older; they’re still active, dangerous, and hungry. The Phillies showed that this might be more than a postseason tradition, with Bryce Harper, Schwarber, and key role players stepping up. They may finally have the World Series.