Philadelphia Phillies: Where will Rhys Hoskins play in 2018?
Rhys Hoskins has been swinging a hot bat for the Philadelphia Phillies lately. With three outfielders looking like locks to start next season and Tommy Joseph possibly sticking at first base, the question is where will Hoskins fit into the lineup in 2018?
The Phillies lineup is full of young talent that deserves to get at bats. Since being called up to the majors, Rhys Hoskins has shown that he should be a fixture in the Phillies lineup. Yes, Hoskins has only played 16 games so far, but in that short amount of time he has hit 9 home runs, along with 21 RBI’s, but more importantly, Hoskins has the ability to take pitches and grind out long at bats. With such little experience, it is surprising to see a young player do something that many veterans struggle to do. A lineup filled with swing happy players needs a player like that desperately.
The outfield seems solid going into the 2018 season. Nick Williams, Aaron Altherr, and Odubel Herrera have all seemingly clinched starting positions. While Hoskins isn’t a natural outfielder he has grown accustomed to the position since being called up. A move back to his normal position of the first base seems more likely for next season.
Trading Tommy?
The problem with this is that there really is no reason to take Tommy Joseph out of the lineup. Joseph, while not flashy, is a good bet to average 25 home runs per season while bringing a sense of stability to the middle of the lineup. Hoskins is the newer, more exciting player who will produce, but Joseph is no slouch.
Trading Tommy Joseph could be the solution to this sudden log jam, but trading him for pennies on the dollar doesn’t seem justified at the moment. It may not be a popular opinion, but platooning Joseph and Hoskins to start the season may not be a bad idea. Phillies fans have seen it this year, with Cameron Rupp splitting time with Andrew Knapp as the younger Knapp progresses.
Rhys Hoskins has major breakout potential. If he continues to hit at the pace he is at the moment the Phillies could be forced to change their plans and start him at first base outright. A platoon isn’t a punishment, it gives Hoskins time to learn the ins and outs of being a professional until he is ready to take over full time.
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Hoskins is the future at first base, but the lowly Phillies shouldn’t give up on Tommy Joseph. Some other major league team could use a power bat in the middle of the lineup, so the Phillies should build up Joseph’s trade stock before officially giving the position to Hoskins. With 9 home runs in 16 games, Hoskins could take the starting spot sooner rather than later, and when that happens his bat could lead the team out of the NL East cellar.