After the fall of the Charlie Manuel era in Philadelphia, the Phillies haven’t provided for much for the fanbase to rally around. After showing bright spots from Odubel Herrera and Rhys Hoskins late in the season last year, the Phillies team looks to make the turn in their rebuild. The addition of slugger Carlos Santana and former Cy Young winner Jake Arrieta helped add some exciting new faces into the locker room.
After parting ways with Pete Mackanin as team manager, Gabe Kapler was brought in to help take the young team to the next level. After getting off to a questionable start in a city dying for a winner they had just ten years ago, the first-time manager was made aware of how high the bar is set here in the city. Now through the first third of the season, Kapler has certainly helped this young team take the next step. Here is how we grade we some of the Phillies Players throughout the first half of the regular season:
Rhys Hoskins: B-
During the 2017 Phillies season, it felt like it was just a matter of time until young slugger Rhys Hoskins made his MLB debut. On August 10th, Hoskins made his debut against the New York Mets. After hitting a historic 18 home runs in just 50 games, Hoskins lived up the hype he generated in the minors. Hoskins was one of the hottest hitters the first month of the regular season, after cooling off and then spending a stint on the DL, the 25-year-old has looked to find his groove back hitting an impressive 1.040 OPS across his 20 games since being reinstated in the lineup.
Carlos Santana: A-
After the surprising signing of first baseman Carlos Santana in December, many were wondering where Santana, but more importantly Hoskins, would fit defensively. Inking a three-year, $60 million contract with the Phillies, the nine-year veteran of the Cleveland Indians was brought in to help mentor the youngest team in baseball.
After a slow start from an average perspective, the newly arrived first baseman brought with his ability to get on base. Santana has helped show some dependable defensive skills on the hot corner, something that has been missing from the Phillies for many years. Since May 4th, Santana has created an impressive stat line of .285/.407/.533.
Others performing well:
Seranthony Dominguez: A
Nick Pivetta: B+
Odubel Herrera: A-
Jorge Alfaro: B-
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