3 Philadelphia Phillies prospects deserving MLB promotion
By Tim Boyle
Rhys Hoskins
Last season was a banner year for first baseman Rhys Hoskins. The powerful slugger hit 38 home runs and drove in 116 runs while in Double-A. The performance helped land him on the team’s radar as a future starting first baseman candidate. Thus far in 2017, Hoskins has picked up right where he left off. He’s hitting well over .300 and has seven home runs through his first 86 at-bats. His prospect ranking is rising quickly as Hoskins continues to show off how valuable he could become.
The difficulty with Hoskins is his defensive limitations. Tommy Joseph is currently playing first base for the Phillies, but having a very bad season. His playing time could decrease very soon if he does not start hitting. Hoskins is knocking loudly on the door, making a case for a promotion with each at-bat. The Phillies may have to at least experiment with these two on the roster together before making a final decision as to who they go with for the remainder of the year.
Power is something the Phillies will need moving forward and Hoskins’ is undeniable. The worst thing they can do is keep him hidden in the minors for too long because they cannot figure out how to get him at-bats. Surely a September call-up, Hoskins is hitting too well to wait around all season.