Can Brandon Marsh actually win the batting title?

Brandon Marsh doesn't want to think back to where he was a year ago at this time.

The Turning Point: From Lehigh Valley to MLB Leader

Marsh was questioning his ability to produce in the major leagues, which is expected after a hitless April that involved a minor league stint. The trip to Lehigh Valley was a rehab assignment for a hamstring injury, but this was an opportunity for Marsh to get right.

His career was in the balance.

"I try to forget about the beginning of last year. I do feel like it taught me a lot of where we're at today," Marsh said. "It's been a whirlwind for sure."

Analyzing the Numbers: Why Marsh’s 2026 Success is No Fluke

All Marsh has done since he returned to the big leagues is hit, and he hasn't looked back. Marsh went 4-for-4 in Sunday's win over the Rockies to raise his batting average to .353, which leads all of baseball.

"That's pretty freaking cool," Marsh said.

The Phillies outfielder has come a long way since going hitless last April. Marsh is one of the best hitters in baseball since his return on May 3, 2025 -- hitting .317 with an .852 OPS in those 153 games. The .317 average is the best in baseball amongst players with 400+ plate appearances.

"He's always had it in him. I don't think there's ever been a doubt," said Kyle Schwarber. "You can even just go back to last year. If you take away April, it's pretty good.

"It's always been there. I feel the more he's been able to go out there and do his thing and build that confidence and keep with his routine, great things are gonna happen. He has the right approach and he's never rushed up there."

Solving the Southpaw Puzzle: Success Against LHP

Marsh has taken his game to another level in 2026. In addition to leading the majors with a .353 average, Marsh has an .893 OPS. He's had 16 hits in his last 31 at bats (.516 BA) and is hitting a career-high .286 against LHP.

The Mattingly Endorsement: A Path to the Batting Title

The numbers show Marsh having the best average in baseball isn't a fluke. Can he actually keep this up for a full season and win the batting title?

Phillies manager Don Mattingly, a former batting champion, doesn't see why Marsh can't.

"There's no reason he can't continue on. This guy's a good hitter as he continues to get older," Mattingly said. "He's hitting both sides, lefties and righties. He's a good game planner.

"He's trying to do something specific every time he's up and understands what the other guy is doing. If he can do it for the stretch that he’s in, there’s no reason that he can’t keep doing it."