On Episode 986 of Hittin’ Season, powered by WHYY, host John Stolnis of The Good Phight marvels at the heroics of Kyle Schwarber in the All Star Game Home Run Derby Swing-Off that won him MVP honors of the Midsummer Classic. Also, why MLB was correct in not naming Cristopher Sanchez and Ranger Suarez All Stars and how a low-key All Star Break for most of the Phils is a blessing in disguise. Then John delivers 10 predictions for the second half and answers some Hot Stove mailbag questions.

On Episode 985 of Hittin' Season, powered by WHYY, John Stolnis of The Good Phight, Justin Klugh from Baseball Prospectus and Liz Roscher, Editor of SABR's Baseball Research Journal, review the first half of the Phillies' 2025 season and wonder, how are the Phillies in first place? Also, John, Justin and Liz dive into a trivia challenge centered around the Philadelphia Phillies and their All-Star Game history, flowing through various milestones, memorable moments, and anecdotes from past All-Star Game.

00:00 Introduction and Overview of the Phillies' Season

02:40 Home Run Derby Highlights and Player Performances

05:28 Phillies' First Half Performance and Team Dynamics

08:42 Strengths and Weaknesses of the Phillies' Roster

11:37 Reflections on the First Half and Comparisons to Other Teams

14:46 Grading the Players: Starting Pitching and Offense

17:37 Bryce Harper's Impact and Expectations

20:33 Assessing the Bullpen and Overall Team Performance

23:30 Final Thoughts and All-Star Trivia

40:11 Trade Deadline Predictions

42:39 All-Star Game Trivia Fun

53:38 Milestones and Memorable Moments

59:16 All-Star Game Trivia Begins

01:02:18 Milestones and Historical Context

01:05:07 The Evolution of the Vet Stadium

01:07:43 Home Run Derby Highlights

01:11:31 Memorable All-Star Moments

01:15:17 Final Trivia Challenge and Wrap-Up

Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher talk about some recent whispers on potential Phillies trade deadline moves, particularly in the bullpen, as well as what lies ahead for the Phillies in San Diego this weekend. Then Mitch Rupert comes by to reset expectations—just a little—for top prospect Andrew Painter.

On Episode 983 of Hittin' Season, powered by WHYY in Philadelphia, host John Stolnis of the Good Phight is joined by Crossing Broad's Luke Arcaini to discuss Bryce Harper's long-awaited coming out party in Wednesday's 13-0 shellacking of the Giants in their house of horrors, San Francisco. Also, a horrific walk-off loss, trade deadline talk, Andrew Painter's timeline, and lots more!

On Episode 982 of Hittin' Season, powered by WHYY, the Good Phight's John Stolnis, Justin Klugh of Baseball Prospectus and Liz Roscher from SABR's Baseball Research Journal discuss the historic pitching performance of Zack Wheeler and why the Phillies cannot waste his performance, and the starting rotation, by being passive at the trade deadline. Also, thoughts on All Stars Wheeler and Kyle Schwarber, snubs, and concerns over Bryce Harper's wrist continue.

Justin Klugh talks about the Phillies' series win over the Padres. Then baseball economics and labor reporter Jen Ramos Eisen discusses the recent purchase of the Reading Fightin' Phils by Diamond Baseball Holdings, and Wick Terrell of Red Reporter drops by to talk about the Phillies' scrappy weekend opponent, the Cincinnati Reds.

On Episode 980, John Stolnis of The Good Phight recaps the Phillies series victory over the Padres, with thoughts on the continued dominance of Zack Wheeler and Ranger Suarez, including thoughts on whether Wheeler is the second-best pitcher in franchise history, how many of the starters will make the All Star team, Cristopher Sanchez' incredible run, and what's next for Mick Abel? Also, the cries are growing louder for the Braves to sell at the trade deadline after another devastating pitching injury, and the All Star starters are announced. Who was snubbed?

On Episode 979 of Hittin' Season, hosts John Stolnis and Justin Klugh recap the weekend series in Atlanta, why the Phillies aren't hitting and what can be done, if anything, to get them to start hitting more consistently. Plus, Bryce Harper returns this week, Ranger Suarez is making history, and the Mets really, really, really stink all of a sudden!

The Phillies were collectively outscored 5-1 against the Astros as they were swept out of Houston despite three terrific pitching performances from their starters. Justin Klugh and John Stolnis lament the offensive woes and look ahead to Atlanta.

On Episode 977 of Hittin' Season, John Stolnis of the Good Phight talks about the Phillies back-to-back shutout losses at the hands of the Astros in Houston. The offense is dead and in need of help, but will Dave Dombrowski use the trade deadline to pick up a bat? What about the bullpen. John analyzes Dombrowski's interview with The Athletic's Jayson Stark and Doug Glanville, searching for clues.