Why Phillies Owner’s Comment on Legacy Is Earning Praise

Kratz's praise is warranted, especially in the current climate where many sports owners aren't in it for their teams to win but instead for profit. In MLB, that issue is especially apparent.

The Oakland Athletics are no more, as the owner is moving them around to find the best way to make money without caring about the players or the fans. 

Moreover, the Pittsburgh Pirates continually spend near the bottom of the league and typically don't sign their home-grown players or external free agents to deals.

The Phillies fanbase is lucky to have an owner like Middleton, and a former player acknowledging it lends credence to the Phillies ownership doing things the right way. 

It goes beyond caring about the product on the field. Kratz found that the Phillies' ownership cares deeply about the players themselves.

"...And there is no organization, I played with 14 different organizations, there's no organization that from an ownership standpoint treats the players and the families the way the Phillies do."

Kratz's praise is not just about the ownership's commitment to success but also about their respect for the players who bring that success.

Heading into a pivotal 2025 season, the Phillies are at a turning point in their franchise. A successful season could justify all of the moves made over the years, while a lost year could end this version of the Phillies.

While change could be coming, Middleton's commitment to the Phillies' on-field production is a reason to remain positive in adversity. As long as Middleton strives for on-field success, the Phillies will be among the best teams in baseball.

This mindset is a breath of fresh air compared to many other owners around baseball. Middleton provides a competitive advantage for the Phillies because he cares more than most owners. Middleton cares about his legacy; former players like Kratz appreciate the sentiment.