In the modern MLB lineup, your three best hitters are usually your first three hitters. Mostly gone are the days of the speedster leading off, the low power contact guy second, and best all-around hitter third. To be clear, your best hitters could still possess those qualities and fall into one of those archetypes, but rarely today will a lesser hitter hit higher in the order because they possess one of those qualities.
The Big 3
The Phillies are no different, and perhaps they epitomize the three best hitters idea more than most teams. It hasn’t been every game, but the overwhelming majority of the Phillies lineups start with Kyle Schwarber at leadoff, Trea Turner hitting second, and Bryce Harper at third.