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Philadelphia Phillies: 4 bold predictions for the 2019 season

By Jeffrey Powell

CLEARWATER, FLORIDA - MARCH 09: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits in the first inning during a game against the Toronto Blue Jays on March 09, 2019 in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
CLEARWATER, FLORIDA - MARCH 09: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits in the first inning during a game against the Toronto Blue Jays on March 09, 2019 in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Roman Quinn will be a difference-maker

“If only he can stay healthy…”

If there ever was a tagline for a player, this would be the one for Phillies’ outfielder Roman Quinn.

Back in January, I wrote an article detailing how the success of the 2019 Phillies would be dependent on the development of returning players. Of special note was this blurb on Quinn:

"“The most interesting player to watch this spring will be outfielder Roman Quinn. Can he secure a starting spot? In what turned out to be a disappointing second half to last season, Quinn’s emergence was perhaps the most significant bright spot. His combination of athleticism, speed, defensive prowess, and hustle sparked an injection of energy in what was left of a dying team’s heart. If he’s able to remain healthy, he’s a dangerous weapon moving forward.”"

Everything I said there remains relevant, and I think he will return healthy and pick up where last season ended. The question is, will Odubel Herrera once again play his way out of everyday status?

Time will tell.

Either way, the Phillies are all out of minor league options on Roman Quinn’s roster spot, so he will either be back with the Phillies or on another team’s roster in 2019. [There is the possibility he could be Designated For Assignment (DFA) and accept a Triple-A demotion, but it would require him clearing waivers, which is highly unlikely.]

Quinn, the Phillies’ 2nd round pick in 2011, will start the season on the injury list while rehabbing an oblique strain suffered in late February. The earliest he could return is April 5.

There is too much potential for the Phillies to move on from the speedster Quinn. It would also behoove the Phillies to get his as many at-bats as possible, though that might be difficult. Once he returns, expect him to slowly work his way back into lineups via late-game defensive replacements and pinch-running situations. The switch-hitting outfielder could also spell rest days for the veteran McCutchen and streaky Herrera.

So, once Quinn returns, what do the Phillies do with their conglomeration of outfielders?

Like with Quinn, Aaron Altherr is also out of minor league options. He’s either with the big squad or gone. The left-handed hitting Nick Williams could be optioned to Triple-A or traded. Or the team could decide to keep all six players and make a roster move elsewhere.

I expect the Phillies will keep five outfielders, with Williams being optioned to Lehigh Valley (AAA). Matt Klentak will listen to offers on Altherr and WIlliams, and at some point, there will be a trade.

While there may be a logjam at the moment, Roman Quinn has a future on the Phillies, and it starts now. He reminds me a lot of a young Shane Victorino who also came up as a part-time player that often provided a spark. Quinn’s versatility and athleticism will force Klentak’s and Kapler’s hands for 2019, even if it’s initially through wreaking havoc on the base paths and tracking down long fly balls in the gap. Quinn’s dynamic play will force the Phillies into making him an every day player before season’s end.

Though his 2019 playing time will initially be limited, the 25-year-old Quinn will make an impact and help the Phillies win meaningful games this season and years to come.

If only he can stay healthy.

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