Aaron Altherr is in position to be next Phillies star
Aaron Altherr is putting together a good season in 2017 and has all the tools to be the next star in the Phillies outfield.
The Phillies fell to the Cardinals on Friday by the score of 3-2 and have struggled to a 21-38 start through June 9. Despite the poor season, there have been a few bright spots along the way.
One is the play of outfielder Aaron Altherr, who went 3-for-4 with two doubles, a triple and a RBI. Altherr, in his first full Major League season, is leading the Phillies in batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and OPS.
Altherr, a 26-year old, has paid his dues in the Minor Leagues, having spent parts of eight seasons in the Phillies farm system, with varying degrees of success. In 679 games, he hit .265 with 57 home runs, 333 RBI, and 134 stolen bases.
More from Phillies News
- Bryce Harper’s absence should lead to Phillies lineup tinkering
- Pirates’ bizarre Vince Velasquez hype video will make Phillies fans laugh
- Acquiring Brandon Marsh gave the Phillies flexibility
- Former Phillies starter Zach Eflin shares heartwarming goodbye message
- Is Rhys Hoskins the future at first base for the Phillies beyond 2023?
Altherr showed glimpses of promise during parts of 2015 and 2016 but combined to hit just .218 with 110 strikeouts in 335 at-bats. One promising statistic is his 30 extra-base hits in that stretch, to go along with 13 stolen bases.
Getting a chance to play every day this season, Altherr is turning some heads. He’s hitting .298 with 14 doubles, 9 home runs, 32 RBI, a .554 slugging percentage and .933 OPS.
At 6′ 5″ and 219 pounds with very good speed, defensive skills, power and a plus arm, Altherr has the physical build and tools similar to that of former stars Dave Winfield and Dave Parker.
More from That Balls Outta Here
- Prospect Andrew Baker could help Phillies bullpen in 2023
- Bryce Harper’s absence should lead to Phillies lineup tinkering
- Phillies rumors: Club targets Seth Lugo for possible bullpen role
- Pirates’ bizarre Vince Velasquez hype video will make Phillies fans laugh
- Acquiring Brandon Marsh gave the Phillies flexibility
Altherr is on pace for 38 doubles, 25 home runs, 88 RBI and eight stolen bases this season. In comparison, Winfield hit .265 with 20 home runs, 75 RBI, and nine stolen bases in his first full season. Parker hit .308 with 35 doubles, 25 home runs, 101 RBI, and eight stolen bases in his first full season.
The comparisons to Winfield and Parker doesn’t mean one should expect Altherr to reach the heights of those two men. Winfield is a Hall of Famer and Parker is a borderline case. There is no question that similarities exist and Altherr’s success depends on his progression, ability to adjust, health status, etc.
Next: Phillies likely to send Cesar Hernandez to DL
I expect Altherr to develop into the best player on the Phillies roster. He’s like to become one of the top outfielders in the National League over the next few seasons. It’s time for Phillies fans to sit back and enjoy the ride.