Aaron Altherr Experiment Unsurprisingly Unsuccessful
Aaron Altherr burst onto the scene after rehabbing a wrist injury, but he’s nothing more than a AAAA ball player
In a very poor farm system, Aaron Altherr was a highly rated outfield prospect in the Phillies minor leagues. Altherr demonstrated a combination of speed, power, and defense not seen in the Phillies everyday line up.
During his eight seasons playing in the Phillies minor league system, Altherr hit .263 with 57 home runs and 333 RBIs. He also displayed his speed with 134 stolen bases and 27 triples over that timespan.
But at the major league level, especially this season, Aaron Altherr has proven to not be a piece of the Phillies future plans.
Since returning from a wrist injury, Aaron Altherr has hit just .199 with four home runs despite getting extensive playing time. His last home run came over one month ago on August 20th, and he has just five multi-hit games all season.
Aaron Altherr=John Mayberry Jr
— PHILLIES TBOH (@FS_TBOH) September 23, 2016
When looking deeper into the numbers of Altherr, one stat jumps out at me the most in why he should not and will not be a part of the Phillies future.
When behind in the count, Altherr has struck out 31 times and walked zero. He’s hitting .130 with three extra base-hits after getting behind in the count.
When the count includes three balls, Altherr strikes out 17 times, while walking just 18 with a batting average of .069.
While Altherr is ahead in a count, he’s hitting just .235. He’ll only get on base at a high-rate when going up early in an at-bat.
And while the options to play over Altherr are not that great, I’d rather see Roman Quinn or a healthy Tyler Goeddel get a shot at proving themselves.
Next season, Aaron Altherr will most likely enter spring training competing for the starting right field job, while Roman Quinn, Odubel Herrera, Nick Williams, and any veterans signed in free agency battle for the other spots.
Unless the Phillies sign a veteran free agent who can swing the bat, Altherr will most likely start Opening Day in right field for the Phillies. But once Nick Williams is ready, he will replace Altherr in right field and stay there.