No. 10: Welcome to the bigs, kids
The Phillies saw 13 players make their major-league debuts in 2017, including some of their best prospects heading into the year. Andrew Knapp opened up the year as the team’s backup catcher while spring training success story made the team as a non-roster invitee.
There were plenty of highly anticipated debuts as well with Nick Williams, Rhys Hoskins, and J.P. Crawford all reaching the majors by the end of the year. Jorge Alfaro debuted in 2016 in September, but this year was his first real chance at extended playing time.
Several notable pitching prospects debuted as well with Drew Anderson, Ben Lively, Nick Pivetta, and Mark Leiter, Jr. all contributing to the rotation while Ricardo Pinto, Yacksel Rios, Jesen Therrien, Victor Arano, and Hoby Milner all contributing to the bullpen.
The success of several of these rookies makes many believe that the team should make a huge step forward in 2018. That will be figured out in time, but it was great to see several top prospects make their debut this season.