Phillies analyst points to "Juan Soto handling pressure" for Yankees at 26, urging Brandon Marsh to follow suit

Brandon Marsh didn't have the season many envisioned for him. After making strides in 2023, the 26-year-old outfielder took a step back for the Philadelphia Phillies in 2024.

The slugger was graded by Phillies insiders Jamie Lynch and Renee Washington, who was critical of the outfielder's performance in what amounted to an early postseason exit for Philadelphia.

Washington said (4:16 - 5:18):

"Statistically, it is a step back from last season and that is a concern. ... It was actually a regression backwards for him. ... I wonder how much of that is all the mental up-and-down of his role.

"I'm not blaming him fully for that, but you are a professional athlete. ... He's 26 years old. There are 25 and 26-year-olds like Juan Soto out here that are handling pressure in a big way."

Juan Soto just turned 26, and he's been on the big stage since he came into Major League Baseball. The New York Yankees star is excelling in the postseason right now, so age, in Washington's eyes, should play no role in how Marsh handles things.

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Can the Phillies get Juan Soto in 2025?

The Philadelphia Phillies have an aging core, but they are all capable of winning games. They have been a part of several impressive seasons for the Phillies lately, and they will likely contend once again next year.

Juan Soto could be headed to the Phillies in 2025 (Imagn)

However, some more talent and perhaps some youth are in order. Bryce Harper isn't getting younger, nor is Kyle Schwarber. Juan Soto fits the bill for youth and talent, but he will be expensive.

The New York Yankees have the best shot at retaining him, but they'll have to compete with other teams. Do the Phillies stand a shot? According to Gambling 911, they do.

If the next team is not the Yankees, the Phillies are 5/1 to sign Soto. The New York Mets are 6/1, the Chicago Cubs are 7/1, and the Toronto Blue Jays are 8/1. There will be a battle for his services, but the odds suggest the Phillies are going to be major players.