The Philadelphia Phillies are nearing a stunning super-team threshold

There are some super teams in the major leagues this season. The Philadelphia Phillies' record after the London Series is 45-20, making this squad one of them.

The Phillies' .692 winning percentage (after games played through June 9) is a testament to their potential. Comparing it to other successful Phillies' seasons or those of 100-plus win teams, it's clear that crossing this threshold would almost certainly secure a playoff berth and potentially a National League Division pennant.

But in the still-early part of June, the Phillies' playoff hopes are only in doubt if they experience an epic collapse that would likely be driven by many injuries after the Trade Deadline.

Instead, the enticing possibility of playing .500 ball for most of the season and still winning 100 games is a real possibility. This could occur during this month if the Phillies maintain a near-.700 winning percentage for a matter of weeks, and then play no more than average baseball through the end of the regular season.

John Middleton, Dave Dombrowski, Rob Thompson, his coach staff, and the returning players from last season (along with those who remain from the 2022 World Series appearance) are focused on flexing regular season muscle and having fun. This organization is determined to finish the story and win its third trophy.

Everyone knows that no team in MLB is anywhere near statistically clinching a playoff berth. But the Phillies and other plus-.600 teams are all, in effect, playoff pre-qualifiers. That's remarkable and also speaks to the unbalance that the 2024 season represents.

Philadelphia Phillies: Trade Deadline Looms - Was 2022 a Dream Season?

The Philadelphia Phillies thrilled their fans by completely turning last season around after Rob Thompson took over for his longtime boss, Joe Girardi. This team stormed through the playoff into the World Series. But all who followed them closely know that the team's run arguably began after the managerial change not in the fall. 

But each season is its own entity. So, was 2022 just a dream or the start of a connected, multi-year playoff run? 

The sporadic offense and inability to get more than two and sometimes three starters cranking out good work prevent this year's squad from rivaling the Atlanta Braves, who might be a runaway National League East Division Winner. If so, it would be that franchise's sixth consecutive Division pennant. 

The Phillies' defense should improve if Bryce Harper plays first base effectively, Kyle Schwarber becomes mostly a designated hitter, Christian Pache takes over in center field, Brandon Marsh shifts to left field on a more regular basis and All-Star Nick Castellanos continues to maintain his decent right field performance. 

Among many questions: 

But will Harper's recovery allow him to hit home runs at anywhere near his normal pace? 

Will Trey Turner hit more to his career norms from here on out?

Will J. T. Realmuto remain healthy?

Could Alec Bohm lead the team in RBIs, in what would become the best offensive season of his career and potentially his breakout year?

Can the bullpen continue its collectively impressive pace? 

Will All-Star Craig Kimbrel's impressive bounce-back year be sustainable?

Will Aaron Nola produce effective starts rather than disjointed efforts? 

Will Zack Wheeler revert to his dominant form, that was seen last season?

Can Tajuan Walker produce near to what he did to date?

Might Ranger Suarez' steady heartbeat translate into a better body of work by season's end?

What will Dave Dembroski feel he must do by the August 1 Trade Deadline?

A lot of questions were asked. Sure, all teams have them. But it is fair to ask if the defending NL Pennant-winners can answer enough of them to first, make the playoffs, and then manage to repeat or even come close to matching last season's stunning run?