Lets be a little positive on this Friday. Phillies are in first place. Eagles just got done their first preseason game (1-0 in the Sirianni era) the Union just finished up their first run in the Concacaf tournament. Sixers rookies and second year guys are balling out in the Vegas Summer League. There are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about Philadelphia sports (despite what Twitter says). So lets take a look at some athletes who could be in for a big year!

Just to be clear, since the Phillies and Union are in the middle of their seasons, we will look towards the REST of the year. Sixers, Eagles and Flyers will be for the 2020-2021 season.

• LT – Jordan Mailata

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  This could be a huge year for Mailata! The former Rugby star is looking to cement himself as the LT for the Eagles for the next decade

• P – Ranger Suarez

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  Other than Zach Wheeler, the Phillies most consistent pitcher has been Ranger Suarez. If he can prove to be a 5th starter for the Phillies then we can say goodby to Matt Moore and Chase Anderson starting games for the Phillies. In 3 starts (10 innings) as a starter hes given up just 1 earned run.

• D – Ivan Provorov

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  We saw what Ivan Provorov could be with a veteran D partner by his side when the organization paired him with Matt Niskanen. Provorov should regain his form this season when the team pairs him with new acquisition Ryan Ellis
• DE – Josh Sweat

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  In his 3rd season Josh Sweat had 6 sacks and proved to be an important part of the Eagles defensive line. Hes entering his 4th season, under a new coach and with Derek Barnett entering a walk year, Sweat is the young DE the Eagles need

• MF – Paxten Aaronson

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  Last season the Philadelphia Union sold Brenden Aaronson to Red Bull Salzburg and it was the highest transfer fee for an MLS home grown player. Paxten is his younger brother. At 17 Aaronson scored his first goal last week and he is another example that the Union are doing an incredible job of cultivating talent.

• G – Tyrese Maxey

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  If the Sixers are going to trade Ben Simmons they are going to have to rely HEAVILY on Maxey. And so far in Summer League he is looking the part
• F – Joel Farabee

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  The ONLY player who seemed to take a step forward last season in the disaster that was the 2020 Flyers season and that was Joel Farabee. He scored 20 goals for the first time in his career and with the team looking to rebound, Farabee to be a building block

• MF – Quinn Sullivan

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  A home grown player coming into his own, 17 year old Quinn Sullivan made an immediate impact in his first start, pulling off a wild bicycle kick and being named man of the match. Between him and Aaronson the future is VERY bright in Chester

• G – Matisse Thybulle

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  Thybulle's offensive game is already elite. Giving the opposition fits. He was a key part of team Australia in the Olympics and improvements in his offensive game could make Thybulle a force for the Sixers next season
• RF – Bryce Harper

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  And lastly theres Bryce Harper. He shows no signs of slowing down as he pushes to get the Phillies in the postseason for the first time in a decade, and he pushes to win his second MVP

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