Rhys Hoskins, Philadelphia Phillies
I already mentioned him as an under-the-radar MVP candidate last week, so there was no way Hoskins would be left off the list. Already an offensive force for the Phillies, things continued getting better with regard to his 2019 outlook as the offseason progressed.
First, it was trading Carlos Santana away and signing Andrew McCutchen to a three-year deal. This not only opened Hoskins’ natural position back up, but it also filled the theoretical hole he’d leave in the outfield. I say theoretical because advanced defensive metrics pinned his efforts as less than stellar.
Philly has also swung two notable trades for Jean Segura and J.T. Realmuto, further transforming manager Gabe Kapler‘s lineup. Cutch, Segura, and Realmuto are projected to take the top three spots in the Phillies’ lineup, according to Roster Resource. Hoskins is currently sitting in the clean-up spot, as he surely will be salivating over plenty of RBI opportunities.
Oh, and this doesn’t take into account that if Manny Machado and Harper ever sign a new contract, there’s a good chance one of them will be heading to the City of Brotherly Love.
This all comes on the heels of him posting a 2.9 fWAR and 129 wRC+ with 34 home runs and 96 RBI during his first full season in the majors (660 plate appearances).
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