Philadelphia Phillies 2022 Fantasy Baseball Preview – Hitters

J.T. Realmuto

Regarded as the top catcher in fantasy baseball in recent years, J.T. Realmuto seems to have ceded that title to Salvador Perez for the time being after Perez’s ridiculous career year in 2021. Still, don’t sleep on Realmuto, as he’ll likely be the second backstop off the board in the majority of drafts. This means you’ll need to pay up in the sixth round, or else you’ll lose out on him. For a catcher who’s going to pop 20-plus homers and maybe steal you 15 bases, it seems worth it.

Kyle Schwarber

I’m less bullish on Kyle Schwarber than most people, but if all of the experts have him pegged squarely as having 10th round value, I can’t really disagree much. So start thinking of him around then, and maybe hope he falls a round or so if you have other more urgent needs to fill. I just feel that, as loaded as the Phils’ lineup seems to be, someone is bound to have a down year. And we don’t even know where Schwarber is likely to hit yet. If he functions mainly in the leadoff spot, his RBI will suffer. Keep in mind that he’s better in leagues that value on-base percentage instead of batting average. Check your league settings, and adjust accordingly.

Rhys Hoskins

Thanks to the shiny new toys and an incumbent MVP, Rhys Hoskins feels like the forgotten man here. But he was solid last year, and an injury was the only thing that prevented him from some career highs, while also crippling the Phillies’ playoff chances down the stretch. He deserves your full confidence now, residing solidly within the second tier of first basemen. I’d honestly rather have him than Schwarber on my fantasy team, because I believe he’s more likely to give you the 40-homer, 100-RBI breakout you’re looking for. You can start thinking about him in the 10th round as well.