The Philadelphia Phillies may have entered the 2024 National League Division Series (NLDS) as favorites, but don’t expect them to change the underdog mentality that has defined their rise in recent years. Star slugger Bryce Harper made it clear that while the team has earned a new level of respect in the league, their gritty mindset and relentless pursuit of a World Series title remain the same.
“It isn’t 2022 anymore. People know we’re good, and that’s a great thing,” Harper said after a recent team practice. “But our underdog mentality? That’s never going to change. We know we have a target on our backs, but we’re still playing with the same fire and hunger.”
From Underdogs to Powerhouse Contenders
Last season, the Phillies stunned everyone with their Cinderella run, making it all the way to the World Series before falling short to the Houston Astros. That journey saw them embrace the “underdog” label with pride, using it as motivation against some of the top teams in the league.
Fast forward to 2024, and the Phillies are no longer viewed as an upstart team. Their powerful roster, led by Harper, Kyle Schwarber, and J.T. Realmuto, along with a strong pitching rotation, makes them one of the most formidable squads in the NL. But for Harper and his teammates, the transition from surprise contenders to favorites hasn’t changed their outlook.
“We’re hungry for more,” Harper emphasized. “That drive we had when no one believed in us is still there. It’s just that now, we’re the ones people expect to see go all the way.”
High Expectations, Same Goals
The Phillies’ success this season is a testament to the team’s commitment to building a sustainable winning culture. Manager Rob Thomson has praised the group for maintaining their focus and work ethic, even as expectations have shifted.
“It’s a different kind of pressure, sure,” Thomson admitted. “But this group feeds off it. They don’t want to just be considered good—they want to be champions.”
Harper echoed this sentiment, making it clear that their sights are set firmly on a return to the World Series and ultimately winning the title. “We didn’t get it done last year, and that’s something that’s been driving us. It doesn’t matter what people label us now—favorites, underdogs, whatever. Our goal is the same.”
Can They Go All the Way?
With their first test in the NLDS underway, the Phillies are looking to live up to the hype and prove that their run last year was no fluke. They’ve carried over the same relentless style of play, with Harper leading the charge as the emotional heartbeat of the squad.
For Phillies fans, it’s an exciting time. But Harper wants everyone to know that the team’s mentality won’t waver, no matter what the odds say. “We’re going to keep playing like we’ve got everything to prove. That’s just who we are.”