Season one:
With the Phillies being 43-38 after 81 contests, the faithful only need to double the home runs and RBIs for a quick approximation of a player’s 2019. Bryce Harper‘s projection is 28 bombs and 110 RBIs. Agewise, he’s 26 and will be 32 for 2025: a seven-summer time frame!
Concerning Rhys Hoskins, doubling his production equals 36 homers and 104 RBIs. He also has a seven-campaign stretch of prime-age 162s. However, he’ll be on the market after the first five, unless he re-ups with the Fightins for 2024. He’s a Scott Boras client and will be free agent at age 31.
As for Scott Kingery, 25, the Phils have him under contract and club options through his prime: eight years. And since management slotted him first, the good guys are 5-2 and he’s hitting .281 (nine for 32). Ergo, the swagger is back! For ’20, perhaps, Klentak could swap Cesar Hernandez and open up second base.
Rotation-wise, ace Aaron Nola, 26, will overcome cold weather during the playoffs because playing meaningful baseball in September and October is growth-wise another hurdle to clear. Plus he has a commitment and club option for five seasons from 2019 through 2023.
Regarding Zach Eflin, 25, he’s halfway to 14 victories with a 3.34 ERA (current), but Nola he isn’t. Eflin can dominate but not for Nola-like lengths. However, he will be a free agent for ’23, unless he re-ups with the good guys: He has at least a four-summer window in Philly.
J.T. Realmuto, 28, projects to 20 long balls and 72 RBIs, but he’s never had expectational pressure. Yet when the Fightins are clicking, he plays like a man who wants postseason action. Yes, the GM must commit to the catcher beyond 2020 and wouldn’t have moved his top prospect and Alfaro otherwise.