Philadelphia Phillies: 5 Players to Look out for this Season

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Mar 21, 2016; Lakeland, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Maikel Franco (7) hits an RBI single during the sixth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

This one’s easy. Maikel Franco is one of the most important players to the Philadelphia Phillies in 2016.

Sign this guy. Now! Please? Is Franco signed yet?

In all seriousness, Maikel Franco is one of the most watchable Philadelphia Phillies on the current roster. Much has been made of Franco’s hot spring, with 8 home runs in 61 plate appearances. Those are good numbers, but again it’s only the spring so fans shouldn’t get too caught up on statistics. If last year wasn’t such a loaded year for rookies, Franco would have a rookie of the year award to show for his impressive statistical season.

Franco looks like a cornerstone player for the Philadelphia Phillies to build on, which is why they need to sign him ASAP. He’s a player that will have to pay attention to the way that he will be pitched to this season to avoid the dreaded sophomore slump. Franco will hit around .280 with 25-30 home runs, which is something that most teams in baseball would take that in the middle of their order. This is a player that is scratching the surface of their potential and it will be fun to watch him come into his own this season.

Next: Number One: Ryan Howard

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