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Phillies: An early projection of the 2018 major-league roster

By John Town

SARASOTA, FL - MARCH 13: Bob McClure #22 of the Philadelphia Phillies makes a pitching change during the seventh inning of the Spring Training Game against the Baltimore Orioles on March 13, 2017 at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, Florida. Baltimore defeated Philadelphia 6-4. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
SARASOTA, FL - MARCH 13: Bob McClure #22 of the Philadelphia Phillies makes a pitching change during the seventh inning of the Spring Training Game against the Baltimore Orioles on March 13, 2017 at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, Florida. Baltimore defeated Philadelphia 6-4. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – JUNE 04: Cesar Hernandez #16 of the Philadelphia Phillies is congratulated by teammates after scoring on a double by Odubel Herrera #37 during the first inning against the San Francisco Giants in a game at Citizens Bank Park on June 4, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

Infielders

  1. Carlos Santana
  2. Cesar Hernandez
  3. J.P. Crawford
  4. Maikel Franco
  5. Pedro Florimon
  6. Jesmuel Valentin

The starting infield for this season is pretty clear with Santana at first, Hernandez is second, Crawford at short, and Franco at third. The trade of Freddy Galvis cleared up the middle infield at least until Scott Kingery is ready for the majors.

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With most of the team’s bench players from last year no longer with the team, any bench spots are up in the air. Florimon is a likely candidate for one spot after a strong stint in the majors last year before dislocating his ankle. He played nearly every position on the field and would be the ideal utility man.

The other spot on the bench could go to several players, including some of the non-roster invitees.

In the end, Valentin may win out for the sole fact that he is already on the 40-man roster, making it easier to bring him to the majors. Kingery will have his spot at second base in Lehigh Valley, so the club may want him on the bench in the majors rather than in Triple-A.

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