Phillies Rumors: Tommy Joseph A Quiet Trade Candidate
The Phillies should be happy with their rookie diamond in the rough after an impressive power display. However, could they stun us by dealing Tommy Joseph?
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First and foremost, I believe in Tommy Joseph. He carries a truly special story, showed true professionalism for a rookie who deserved more at-bats, and has legitimate right-handed pop for a 25-year-old.
Joseph came to Philadelphia in the 2012 Hunter Pence trade, and until this past season, hope was gone for the former top catching prospect and the trade was considered a wash.
Prior to the 2015 rule-5 draft, Joseph wasn’t added to the Phillies 40-man roster, and wasn’t protected for the draft. However, Joseph’s injuries and inexperience were just too much for teams to overpass, and Joseph landed back with the Phils.
While nobody saw it coming, Joseph was once a top prospect for his bat. It stuck true as he got healthy, and that’s what got him to the majors in 2016.
So before we reach a final verdict, let’s take these factors into consideration:
Joseph Is For Real
While Joseph didn’t receive a vote for rookie-of-the-year, he still slashed an impressive .257/.308/.505 (.813 OPS, 115 OPS+) in 2016.
As mentioned, Joseph was put into a platoon situation his rookie campaign with aging Phillies great, Ryan Howard. While Howard did his fair share of damage vs RHP, and the Phils were more than honorable to an all-time franchise great, Joseph deserved better.
Joseph’s numbers were already decent, but as a starter? Even better. Joseph slashed .270/.315/.535 (.850 OPS, 124 OPS+) with 20 HR and 42 RBI in 74 starts this season. Want more convincing? From the fourth of July on, Joseph slashed .289/.364/.561 (.925 OPS).
Joseph deserved more starters at-bats. But he didn’t get them, luckily for the club, it didn’t hinder his development.
Right Team, Wrong Time?
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Tommy Joseph hasn’t done anything wrong. He’s exceeded every expectation set upon him since his concussion issues and wrist injuries set him back. However, I may have unintentionally connected some dots with Josephs Phillies future, at least in my eyes.
I mentioned in my “crazy trades” piece that of the listed veterans, Joe Mauer was one that made sense. Not because Mauer is still the MVP of yesteryear, but that he would provide a veteran presence in the middle of the lineup, while opening the door at first base for slugging prospect Rhys Hoskins.
Thinking further, moving Joseph would open the door for a number of prospects who may not have an everyday position among arrival, not just Hoskins.
Take it with a grain of salt, but this could be huge considering who the Phils have in waiting and how sold the club appear to be on those prospects.
Joseph’s Value
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Joseph is only 25, showed legitimate power potential, and is under club control through 2023. That’s not usually something you give up on after one season, especially when you factor in the Phillies dreadful offense.
He’s a poor defensive first basemen and provides no defensive versatility. Not that Joseph must be an elite defender to stick, but there are only five un-versatile first basemen in the NL that warrant everyday at-bats -Votto, Rizzo, Gonzalez, Freeman, Goldschmidt – and unless he’s turning into one of those guys (not likely), he maps out as an everyday American League player (1B/DH).
That doesn’t take away from Joseph’s value though, he has it, and the club will maximize it one way or another.
The Reality Of The Situation
Again, I really like Tommy Joseph. I would be totally fine with him as the Phillies everyday first basemen for the next 5-10 years. But it’s becoming harder and harder for me to see that vision come to fruition when you factor in all the reasons mentioned.
As mentioned, he’s a poor defender, he can only play first, and he’s never going to be an on base machine. But he can hit, and hit for power. There’s no arguing the value in that, especially when you start talking about the consistent rate in which Joseph was displaying his power, but it’s also hard to argue the reality that Tommy Joseph should be considered a trade candidate just as much as any other rumored player on the team.
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It’s sad and I hate to admit it, but Joseph is far from a bigger picture piece for the Phillies at this point in time. And that’s what this comes down to, the bigger picture. I wouldn’t bank on a move, but there are scenarios in play that could enable one.