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MLB: 2016 Minor League All Stars: The Hitters

By Benjamin Chase

Jul 10, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; World players celebrate after defeating USA during the All Star Game futures baseball game at PetCo Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 10, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; World players celebrate after defeating USA during the All Star Game futures baseball game at PetCo Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 20, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; From left to right Philadelphia Phillies general manager Matt Klentak and top prospects pitcher Ben Lively and outfielder Dylan Cozens and first baseman Rhys Hoskins prior to a game against the Chicago White Sox at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; From left to right Philadelphia Phillies general manager Matt Klentak and top prospects pitcher Ben Lively and outfielder Dylan Cozens and first baseman Rhys Hoskins prior to a game against the Chicago White Sox at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

First Base

Rhys Hoskins, Philadelphia Phillies, AA, 23 years old

Stats: .281/.377/.566/.943, 26 doubles, 38 homers, 8 steals, 71/125 BB/K, 589 plate appearances

Hoskins was originally the 5th round selection of the Phillies in the 2014 draft and the big (6’4, 225 pounds) right-handed first baseman has done nothing but hit since coming into the system.

This year, he and teammate Dylan Cozens exploited the very friendly confines of the Reading ballpark, considered one of the most hitter-friendly ballparks in the minor leagues.

Even taking his favorable ballpark into consideration, Hoskins’ season was tremendous. In nearly any other season 38 home runs would easily lead the minor leagues, but instead he finished second to his teammate.

Hoskins isn’t just a product of his hitting environment, as he owns a .288/.372/.516 line throughout his minor league career, not terribly far off of what he did this season. In 2015, he hit 36 doubles and 17 home runs, so the power was not a mirage of the Reading park by any means.

Hoskins also brings excellent pitch recognition for a guy with his slugging ability, keeping his strikeout rate around 20% (21.2% in 2016) and his walk rate over 10% (12.1% in 2016).

With Ryan Howard gone, the future of the organization at first base is open. Tommy Joseph hit for power with the big league club, but his .257 batting average and .308 on base won’t ensure him any future at the position. Hoskins could make a legit push for the 2017 opening day role, but will most likely get his feet wet in AAA until he forces his way onto the major league roster.

Feb 29, 2016; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs first baseman Dan Vogelbach poses for a portrait during photo day at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 29, 2016; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs first baseman Dan Vogelbach poses for a portrait during photo day at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

In Consideration

Cody Bellinger, Los Angeles Dodgers, AA/AAA, .271/.365/.507/.872, 26 HR, 20 years old
Dylan Moore, Texas Rangers/Atlanta Braves, A/A+, .269/.379/.441/.820, 14 HR, 42 SB
Rowdy Tellez, Toronto Blue Jays, AA, .297/.387/.530/.917, 23 HR
Dan Vogelbach, Chicago Cubs/Seattle Mariners, AAA, .292/.417/.505/.923, 23 HR

Next: Second Base

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