Phillies Star Bryson Stott Reflects on Playoff Journey and World Series Aspirations
Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Bryson Stott, a familiar face to New Jersey baseball fans due to his early career time at the Jersey Shore, is focused on the ultimate prize: a World Series title. As the Phillies battle for supremacy in the NL East, Stott shared insights into his approach to the game, the lessons learned from postseason experiences, and the team’s relentless ambition.
Stott, 27, has already navigated the pressure of October baseball, including a memorable trip to the World Series in his rookie year of 2022. This seasoned perspective informs his disciplined approach to the high stakes of the postseason.
“Especially in the playoffs, you take one game at a time, you can’t look ahead to who you might play next, or anything like that, because that’s when it comes back to bite you,” Stott emphasized in a recent interview. He noted that focusing on the small details is crucial. “It could be a bunt, could be a sacrifice hit, could be the smallest of things that gets the job done in the playoffs.”
Reflecting on the Rookie Season and Growth
Stott’s journey to the World Series in his 2022 rookie season provided a vital learning experience. He reflected on that time, mentioning how he initially just focused on “getting comfortable and going to each away stadium and taking a picture of the stadium or videos or things like that.”
While playing in the World Series as a rookie was rare, Stott admitted, “As the year went on, I got more comfortable, and not a lot of people get to play in the World Series, let alone in their first season. I got a little more butterflies and things of that nature each game, rather than just the playoffs.” He called the experience “awesome,” adding, “Going through that as a rookie and making it to the World Series and seeing what you need to do to get there was awesome my career, and now you know what you need to do to get there,” noting that “That was a big thing for me, was just kind of learning.”
A Team Focused on the Prize
As the Phillies maintain their position atop the NL East standings, the conversation naturally turns to the toughest competition, including the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers.
“We’re not scared of playing the Dodgers, obviously,” Stott stated with confidence. He emphasized that baseball is the same game regardless of the opponent. “You just go out there and they got to throw the ball over the plate, and we got to hit it, and they got to catch it and things like that. It’s the same game, and you don’t want to make it anything bigger than it needs to be, and you want to treat it like any other game and go out there and play our game and see what happens in the end. They’re a fun team to play, just the names in the lineup and things like that. It’s fun to play those guys.”
Stott’s commitment extends to continuous improvement. “I feel like you can improve in all aspects of your game, whether that’s offensively, defensively, being a teammate, or just kind of anything,” he said. “You always want to learn and see what the older guys are kind of doing and how they go about it. Once you stop working, that’s a bad thing, no matter how good you are. You want to keep working and get as good as you can.”
Influences and Idols
Stott also shared insights into the players who shaped his game, including his brother and two baseball legends. “I watched Chipper Jones a lot while growing up, just being my brother’s favourite player,” he explained. “I looked up to my brother, obviously, and I watched him, and he would hit lefty sometimes as a switch hitter, so I liked him and Robinson Cano.”
The Phillies’ journey continues, fueled by Stott’s dedication, resilience, and a team-wide focus on the present moment, all with the goal of bringing the championship trophy back to Philadelphia.
A Familiar Face at the Jersey Shore
Bryson Stott’s Impactful Stint with the Jersey Shore BlueClaws and His Connection to the Garden State. Before his rise to Major League stardom, Stott honed his skills right here in the Garden State. In 2021, Stott spent a formative period with the Jersey Shore BlueClaws in High-A East. During his 22 games in May of that year, he impressed fans in Lakewood, posting a strong .288 batting average along with five home runs and three stolen bases. His performance with the BlueClaws was quickly recognized, leading to his selection for the MLB All-Star Futures Game that same month.
For a brief period in 2021, the Jersey Shore BlueClaws were home to a rising star who would soon become a familiar face in Philadelphia: Bryson Stott. While his time in New Jersey’s minor league system was short, it was significant, marking a crucial step in his ascent to the Major Leagues.
Stott, drafted 14th overall by the Phillies in 2019, began the 2021 season with the BlueClaws, the Phillies’ High-A affiliate located at ShoreTown Ballpark in Lakewood. Although he was only with the team for a little over a month, his performance made a lasting impression on the New Jersey baseball scene.
During his time with the BlueClaws, Stott showcased the talent that made him a first-round pick. He posted impressive numbers, hitting .288 with a team-leading five home runs and 10 RBIs. Perhaps most notably, Stott demonstrated excellent plate discipline, drawing 22 walks and achieving a .453 on-base percentage that led all players in High-A East.
His stellar performance earned him a quick promotion to Double-A Reading in June 2021, highlighting the rapid pace of his development. Stott’s strong play in the minor leagues continued, eventually leading to his Major League debut with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2022.
While Stott’s career has taken him to the bright lights of Citizens Bank Park, his foundation in professional baseball was cemented on the Jersey Shore.
His tenure with the BlueClaws serves as a reminder of the vital role New Jersey’s minor league system plays in developing future big-league talent.