Bryson Stott opens up about dad life, goals for 2024 and how Phillies are "built for those playoffs" (2024)

Sports

By Tom Dougherty

/ CBS Philadelphia

New dad Bryson Stott talks World Series or bust season for Philadelphia Phillies

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Life as a dad has been "unbelievable" for Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Bryson Stott, with dad-strength moonshots during batting practice to viral in-game interviews.

Stott and his fiancee Dru White welcomed a baby girl, Braxtyn Grace Stott, last November. Four months later, Stott told CBS Philadelphia's Pat Gallen in mid-March that Braxtyn is at the age where she's starting to look around.

All is well, except for maybe the naps.

"Knock on wood, she's been good," Stott said. "The naps aren't very good. We're like, 'Your naps can stink all you want if you sleep through the night.' She's getting fun now. She's awesome. It's unbelievable."

Phillies "built for those playoffs and those runs"

Friday will be 26-year-old Stott's third Opening Day, and his first two seasons have seen the Phillies go on long playoff runs. His rookie season ended with the Phillies falling two wins shy of winning the World Series, and his second ended with a bitter Game 7 defeat to the Arizona Diamondbacks in the National League Championship Series.

Not much has changed with the Phillies' roster in 2024. Philadelphia is running it back, with Whit Merrifield as the only notable offseason acquisition. The way Stott sees it, there's not much reason to change things up.

"This team's built for those playoffs and those runs," Stott said. "Even compared to last year, Ranger [Suarez]'s healthy. The guys aren't in the [World Baseball Classic] and everyone's here together. Bryce [Harper] is healthy to start the year. I think we're definitely in a better, healthier spot."

Bryson Stott opens up about dad life, goals for 2024 and how Phillies are "built for those playoffs" (2)

The Phillies survived spring training without suffering any major injuries, unlike last season when Rhys Hoskins tore his ACL. Philadelphia is not without some bruises, though. Taijuan Walker will start the season on the injured list with a right shoulder impingement, paving the way for Spencer Turnbull to start as the team's fifth starter. Slider sensation Orion Kerkering will also begin on the IL after an illness set him back.

Philadelphia fell back in love with baseball during the 2022 postseason and recaptured the magic again last October. A large part is the vibes surrounding the Phillies and how they've connected with the city.

The heartbreak felt last October hasn't changed anything in the Phillies' clubhouse.

"The chemistry is at an all-time high. You go through 162 games with guys, you see who each other really is when times get tough when times are good," Stott said. "I think everyone is kind of that even-keeled mindset and I think that's what makes our clubhouse awesome and our team good."

For Stott, the "ultimate stat is wins and losses"

Stott, who was drafted 14th overall in 2019, broke out last season by seeing his on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS) jump nearly 100 points and finishing as a Gold Glove finalist. He finished hitting .280/.329/.419 with a .747 OPS, 15 home runs and 62 RBIs with 6 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) and 16 Outs Above Average (OAA).

But there's still room to grow.

Before spring training even started, Phillies manager Rob Thomson said he believed Stott "got a little bit away from his strike zone discipline" near the end of last season.

Stott entered August hitting .303/.310/.437 with a 17.44% strikeout rate. He finished the last two-plus months hitting .236/.301/.391 with 32 strikeouts in 195 at-bats, but he saw most of his struggles in September and the last weekend of the season.

Stott hit .204/.271/.286 with 21 strikeouts for a 21.43% strikeout rate in 26 games in September and October.

"I think as time goes on, he's going to get used to the longer seasons," Thomson said on Jan. 17 before the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association banquet in Cherry Hill. "He's going to be able to handle September, October, the first part of November, if needed."

Entering his third season in MLB, Stott said his main goal is to stay on the field - he played 127 and 151 games, respectfully, in his first two years. Stott said he isn't one to sit down and set individual goals.

"I've always been taught that the team is succeeding, or the team's not succeeding," Stott said. "I think if we're playing good as a team, everyone's stats are going to be where they want. The ultimate stat is wins and losses."

"You can go 0 for 4, but you can make a diving play to save the game and that doesn't show up in the box score, and we have a win. That's what shows up, and I think that's a lot of the mindset of the guys we have."

The trek back to another Red Octoberbegins at 3:05 p.m. Friday at Citizens Bank Park.

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Tom Dougherty

Tom Dougherty is a digital content producer for CBS Philadelphia. Before joining CBS Philadelphia, Tom covered sports for NBC Sports Philadelphia. He currently covers breaking news and sports.

Bryson Stott opens up about dad life, goals for 2024 and how Phillies are "built for those playoffs" (2024)

FAQs

Bryson Stott opens up about dad life, goals for 2024 and how Phillies are "built for those playoffs"? ›

Not much has changed with the Phillies' roster in 2024. Philadelphia is running it back, with Whit Merrifield as the only notable offseason acquisition. The way Stott sees it, there's not much reason to change things up. "This team's built for those playoffs and those runs," Stott said.

How much does Bryson Stott make? ›

Where did the Phillies get Bryson Stott? ›

He played college baseball at UNLV, and was selected by the Phillies in the first round of the 2019 Major League Baseball draft. He made his MLB debut in 2022.

How many kids does Bryson Stott have? ›

Bryson Jeremy Stott...Married Dru White; has one daughter, Braxtyn Grace...2016 graduate of Desert Oasis High School (NV)...Attended University of Nevada, Las Vegas...Was a semifinalist for the 2019 Golden Spikes Award and a finalist for the Brooks Wallace Award for the nation's top collegiate shortstop...During his ...

Did Bryson Stott have a baby? ›

Bryson and his wife, Dru, welcomed their baby girl, Braxtyn Grace Stott, into the world on November 4th, 2023. It was only a couple weeks after the Phillies playoff dreams were crushed by the Arizona Diamondbacks in game seven of the National League Championship Series. The announcement of the birth was adorable.

Does Bryson Stott have Invisalign? ›

I was like, 'All right, I'm really done now. ' Because I hate the dentist.” That was it. Stott got Invisalign, a teeth-straightening treatment.

How long is Bryson Stott's contract with the Phillies? ›

2024-2024 Pre-Arb

Bryson Stott signed a 1 year , $768,000 contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, including $768,000 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $768,000. In 2024, Stott will earn a base salary of $768,000, while carrying a total salary of $768,000.

Is Bryson Stott good? ›

Stott, 26, is already one of the game's best defensive second basemen. He took steps forward offensively in his first full year in 2023, slashing . 280/. 329/.

Who is the bat boy for the Phillies? ›

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Philadelphia Phillies' bat boy is known for being quick on his feet, but the 25-year-old from New Jersey also wants to be known for giving back. "As soon as I get here, I'm pretty much rolling the rest of the day," Adam Crognale said before a game at Citizens Bank Park earlier this month.

Who was the oldest Phillies pitcher? ›

Moyer tossed a two-hit gem to beat the Atlanta Braves, 7-0. He was 47 years, 170 days old, according to the Phillies website. He struck out five and did not walk a batter. Here's a look at Moyer's 5Ks and the final out from the history-making performance.

What Phillies player just had a baby? ›

3! The Phillies star and his wife Kayla announced the arrival of Kamryn Ray Harper on Instagram Wednesday.

Who is the wife of the Phillies pregnant? ›

3 with wife Kayla Harper. PHILADELPHIA - "3 for 3" That's how Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper announced that he and his wife Kayla Harper are expecting their third child together. The couple announced the exciting news in a joint Instagram post.

What is Bryson Stotts' walk-up song? ›

Bryson Stott's walk-up song 'A-O-K', explained

Stott has been using "A-O-K" since he made his MLB debut in April 2022. There wasn't any particular reason why he chose the catchy tune. As he told MLB Network's Jon Morosi, "I just liked the song."

Does Bryson Stott have a brother? ›

The son of Derek and Shana Stott ... Has two siblings: Brennen and Breauna ...

Is Bryson Stott a rookie? ›

Bryson Stott hit . 234 with 100 hits, 10 homers, 49 RBIs and 58 runs scored in 127 games in his rookie season in 2022.

How many kids does Trea Turner have? ›

Trea Vance Turner... Married, wife's name is Kristen; has two sons, Beckham and Tatum... 2011 graduate of Park Vista High School (FL)...

How much is Liv Golf paying Bryson? ›

Bryson DeChambeau has reportedly inked a whopping $125 million contract with LIV Golf. The American golfer signed a four-and-a-half-year deal with the Saudi Circuit when the series started its inaugural season in 2022.

What is Nick Castellanos' salary? ›

The right-handed hitting Castellanos, who turned 32 in March, is in his third season with the Phillies. In 2022, Castellanos signed a five-year contract with the Phillies, worth $100 million. He is making $20 million this year. He will make $20 million in each of 2025, and 2026.

Who is Bryson Stott's agent? ›

Stott, a left-handed-hitting shortstop, played three years at UNLV, batting . 365 in 58 games this season, with a 1.085 OPS, 10 homers, and 20 doubles. He grew up in Las Vegas and is friends with Bryce Harper. They both are represented by agent Scott Boras.

How long is the Ranger Suarez contract? ›

2023-2023 Arbitration

Ranger Suarez signed a 1 year , $2,950,000 contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, including $2,950,000 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $2,950,000.

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