Discover Brandon Marsh’s Remarkable Transformation: From 095 to Breakthrough Success by Simply Showing Up
Brandon Marsh’s Dramatic Comeback Revitalizes Phillies’ Lineup
Struggles Begin to Mount for Phillies Outfielder Brandon Marsh
At the dawn of the 2025 season, Brandon Marsh faced the toughest challenge of his career as he battled a debilitating slump. The Phillies outfielder grappled with a .095 batting average and a .167 slugging percentage over his first 17 games. His struggles against both left and right-handed pitching were exacerbated by a hamstring strain in late April, sidelining him during an 0-for-31 skid — the longest slump he’d encountered. Marsh expressed his disappointment, saying, “I just feel like I’m letting my guys down. And I need to be better for them.”
Rehabilitation and a Renewed Mindset at Lehigh Valley
During his recovery, Marsh was sent to triple-A Lehigh Valley, where he reunited with his friend and fellow player Garrett Stubbs. Recognizing Marsh’s struggles, Stubbs offered some supportive advice, reminding him that, “It really can’t get worse. So just show up, and just play, and just let the game happen.” This intervention appeared to spark a mental shift in Marsh.
The encouraging words from Stubbs, combined with consistent support from Phillies manager Rob Thomson and hitting coach Kevin Long, helped Marsh recalibrate his mindset. “Every day is a new day,” Marsh later reflected, adopting a philosophy that would pave the way for his resurgence.
Brandon Marsh’s Return to Form: A Turning Point
Upon rejoining the Phillies, Marsh quickly displayed signs of his turnaround, recording two hits in his first game back on May 3. This marked the beginning of his transformation into an influential player for the team. With a .303 batting average and an .836 OPS excluding the initial games, Marsh achieved a career-best season.
He also overcame a prior weakness against breaking pitches, improving from a .172 average in 2024 to .298 in 2025. The addition of Harrison Bader to the outfield at the trade deadline provided internal motivation, complementing the improvements made by Marsh and his teammates, Alec Bohm, Bryson Stott, and Max Kepler.
Marsh Benefits from Supportive Clubhouse Dynamics
Stubbs, who reconnected with the Phillies in September, noticed a more relaxed Marsh. Known as the “chief vibes officer,” Stubbs emphasized the importance of having open conversations and nurturing a supportive environment in the clubhouse.
“I take a lot of pride in being able to have those conversations with my teammates,” Stubbs remarked. His role extends beyond morale-boosting — he serves as a confidant capable of steadying or motivating teammates to strive for their best.
Building Resilience for Future Challenges
Recognizing that slumps are inherent to baseball, Marsh feels equipped with the experience necessary to handle future adversity. “I’ve never experienced something like I did in April this year,” he said, acknowledging that navigating this recent ordeal has strengthened his resolve. Should he encounter similar struggles, he knows he can rely on his network for support, adding with a smile, “I can just give Stubby a call.”
