The Phillies were notoriously bad at the plate last year, struggling in nearly ever aspect of hitting. They scored the fewest runs (610) and had the second-lowest batting average (.240) ,on-base percentage (.301), slugging percentage (.385), and walk rate (7.1%). They also struck out the fifth-most of any team with a 23% strikeout rate.
After struggling in so many offensive categories, the team fired hitting coach Steve Henderson and replaced him with former Phillie Matt Stairs. While Stairs has never been a hitting coach before, he was a guest instructor with the club in spring training.