Phillies 2017: Five Key Developing Players
By Matt Veasey
As the Philadelphia Phillies continue to build back towards competitiveness, the development of a handful of their best youngsters is key to 2017 success.
The Philadelphia Phillies have spent the last two to three years rebuilding the farm system, and introducing youngsters into both the lineup and pitching staff.
This upcoming season should prove to be one of major transition for the club. Five of the eight players in the everyday lineup may not be around, at least not as starters, the next time the team is a contender.
The 2017 starting pitching rotation will feature at least two arms who similarly are not expected to be around when the Phillies again challenge for an NL East crown.
There are a number of young, developing players and near-ready prospects who have a chance to impact the club for years to come.
Five players in particular seem to be keys to any chance that the club might have to legitimately challenge for a .500 season as soon as this year.
One of those players is out on the mound, a former number one draft pick. Two of the players roam the outfield, trying to break through from highly-regarded prospect status. And two young left-side infielders have as much developing talent as anyone in the organization.