Phillies: 5 Prospects Likely to make an On-Field Impact in 2018

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 13: Aaron Altherr #23 and J.P. Crawford #2 of the Philadelphia Phillies react at the end of the game against the Miami Marlins at Citizens Bank Park on September 13, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Marlins 8-1. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

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Jorge Alfaro

Jorge Alfaro seemingly cemented his spot on the Phillies opening day roster during his time last year. Alfaro hit .318 with 5 HR’s and 14 RBI’s in just 114 plate appearances last year. He is currently ranked as baseball’s sixth best catching prospect and the Phillies’ fifth ranked prospect. However, he arguably has already had the largest impact at the Major League level.

Alfaro’s presence in Philadelphia makes for one important decision new manager Gabe Kapler will have to make. Alfaro has made it clear that he belongs in the big leagues, but with Andrew Knapp and Cameron Rupp being mainstays behind the plate in recent years, Alfaro is not guaranteed the starting job. However, Alfaro is out of minor league options and the organization must have him on the major league roster.

This means all signs point towards Alfaro making the opening day roster so he will compete for the starting role during Spring Training and could be poised to breakout in 2018.

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