Why Don Mattingly thinks baserunning is the most important area of focus for the Phillies in 2027

Manager Don Mattingly believes the Philadelphia Phillies must focus heavily on aggressive baserunning heading into the 2027 season. Despite leading Major League Baseball with an 84.7 percent stolen-base success rate in 2026, the Phillies ranked 15th overall with only 105 total steals. That Balls Outta Here writer Matt Davis argues that Philadelphia must give runners the green light more often to compensate for a lackluster offense that finished 23rd with a .312 on-base percentage.

Davis identifies young players like Justin Crawford and top prospect Aidan Miller as central figures for increasing team aggressiveness on the basepaths. While Bryson Stott went a perfect 27-for-27 on steal attempts, veteran Trea Turner experienced a decline, stealing 15 fewer bases than the prior season. The report concludes that while increased baserunning will help generate offense, the Phillies must also improve their ability to reach base consistently.