OPTIMIZE: How Team USA’s WBC Lineup Reveals the Philadelphia Phillies’ Formula to MAXIMIZE Lineup

Does Team USA’s star-studded World Baseball Classic lineup unlock the secret to the Philadelphia Phillies’ optimal batting order? Connor Thomas breaks down why shifting Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber’s roles—mirroring the national team’s approach—might unlock more run production. Could moving Alec Bohm into the top four and rethinking leadoff responsibilities maximize the Phillies’ offense and solve last season’s protection issues for their heavy hitters? Brandon Marsh and Otto Kemp headline a deep-dive into the Phillies’ projected left field platoon, with Connor Thomas previewing what fans should expect from each in 2026. Marsh’s rollercoaster performance and defensive impact stand contrasted against Kemp’s under-the-radar power potential and need for greater consistency at the plate. With insights on lineup construction, spring training moves, and player development, this episode offers a bold look at how Philadelphia can contend with MLB’s elite. 00:00 Team USA WBC Lineup & Phillies Optimization Connor Thomas opens the show by comparing Team USA’s stacked World Baseball Classic lineup to the Phillies, exploring what the Phillies can learn from Team USA’s batting order and what the current lineup construction may be missing. 11:16 Brandon Marsh 2026 Season Preview Connor Thomas dives deep into Brandon Marsh’s volatile 2025 season, his platoon necessity, statistical goals, and what a successful and consistent 2026 campaign would look like for him and the Phillies’ outfield defense. 22:20 Otto Kemp Expectations & Platoon Outfield Connor Thomas previews Otto Kemp as a key component of the left field platoon, analyzing Kemp’s injury recovery, power upside, and defensive growth—plus what a “bullish” but fair 2026 projection looks like. Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonphillies.supercast.com Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! PlayStation This episode of is brought to you by MLB The Show 26. Visit mlbthe.show/lockedon and use code “LOCKEDON” to unlock a pack for use in Diamond Dynasty. Pre-Order now, Available March 17th on PlayStation 5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. RATED E FOR EVERYONE. Turbo Tax For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel FanDuel is giving you a way to turn that energy into even bigger potential wins with a College Basketball Parlay Profit Boost.Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started — Play Your Game. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.