Phillies: What defines success in the 2018 season?

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 8: A general view Citizens Bank park during the game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Philadelphia Phillies on September 8, 2014 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Finishing with the third-worst record in baseball, the Phillies are looking up

Much has changed for the Phillies in a relatively quiet offseason around Major League Baseball. They’ve made the biggest free agent signing to date with Carlos Santana, traded their Gold Glove-caliber shortstop Freddy Galvis to San Diego, signed three relief pitchers over the age of 30, and hired a manager with virtually no experience.

While none of that sounds appealing and there is still work to be done, things are on the upswing for the Phillies. We asked our writers to gauge how they would define this season as a success under first year manager Gabe Kapler.

Koy Zidmal

The Phillies need 79 wins minimum for a successful season. The team has enough potential to be wild card contenders and being the race would be great and is very possible, but the main goal should be one last year of development. Hopefully Maikel Franco can take a next step, and Hoskins continues his run.

This also depends on Cesar Hernandez being on the roster at the end of the year. Their bullpen is more solid and Aaron Nola needs to have a career year. One last year of preparation before a 2019 playoff run

PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 13: Rhys Hoskins #17 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a two run home run in the bottom of the fifth inning 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) /

Kerry Kauffman

Although the Phillies had to fight to avoid a 100-loss season last year, a strong second half leads me to believe a .500 record is within reach. For one, the division doesn’t appear all that strong. But for the Phillies to reach .500, they need better depth in the rotation and bullpen.

Also, more consistent overall hitting with Carlos Santana and Rhys Hoskins providing a formidable duo in the middle of the order.

PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 17: Maikel Franco #7 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts after hitting a single against the Oakland Athletics during the fourth inning of a game at Citizens Bank Park on September 17, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

Chris Valenti

The 2018 season to me is not all about wins and losses. While I think this team has the talent to compete for a wild card spot, I can’t say I expect it to happen. The success of the season would be to see continued development with the core of Hoskins, Alfaro, Nola and Crawford. Then to call up Kingery and other prospects to see what they can do at the big league level.

The plan all along has been developing players and clearing cap space to make a run at the big free agent class next year. So continuing to develop the young guys, making a decision on Herrera and Franco by the deadline, and creating a culture with less mental mistakes in 2018 would make the season a success in my opinion.

This season is about seeing where all the pieces fit, further development of young talent, and getting rid of the expendable pieces so that they have flexibility for the upcoming free agent class.

MIAMI, FL – JULY 18: Vince Velasquez #28 of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on during a game against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park on July 18, 2017 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

Kyle Grim

The 2018 season for the Phillies is an incredibly important year for the rebuilding process. Between Hoskins, Crawford, and Alfaro, the young core has to take a step forward if they want to compete. They have some veteran leadership with the addition of Carlos Santana which could help with a late playoff push.

The biggest concern going into the year is the pitching staff. Nola looks like he could be the workhorse they need but you need consistent performances out of Velasquez, Eickhoff, and the rest of the staff.

Overall, the core is there so the idea of a playoff run isn’t to far fetch. It depends on the consistency of everyone over a 162 game season. If you get that then you have a successful season.

John Town

While winning more games than they did in 2017 would be nice, 2018 is yet another year that shouldn’t be measured by wins and losses. While that isn’t nice for a fanbase that hasn’t had a winning season 2011 to hear, we have to be more concerned about the future rather than the present.

The key to success this season will be the development of the team’s core. Rhys Hoskins certainly showed major-league potential last year after his call-up, but how much of that success can he carry in 2018? J.P. Crawford and Jorge Alfaro showed flashes as well, but both still need to make strides in their game to succeed at this level. Aaron Nola could be an outside candidate for the Cy Young, but the rest of the rotation still needs to sort itself out.

Ultimately, 2018 should be considered a successful season if and only if Philadelphia’s group of young players shows that they can be above-average major-leaguers moving forward. If they do have successful seasons, the wins will come.

PHILADELPHIA, PA – JUNE 17: Starting pitcher Jerad Eickhoff #48 of the Philadelphia Phillies throws a pitch in the first inning during a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citizens Bank Park on June 17, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images) /

Ryan Mulligan

For me a successful season is giving the fan base something to root for throughout the summer. While this will most likely insinuate an above .500 record, I think that the Phillies being competitive and within striking distance of the race should be their main goal.

If they carry the success they had towards the end of last year with young guys stepping up and filling their roles, they should be in most games. Mainly, towards the end of last year they were fun to watch. Secondarily, in accomplishing this, they would also likely be grooming their young players to reach their full potential.

Next: Five Phillies in need of major bounce back in 2018

If the Phillies can be somewhat competitive during the summer and simultaneously create a foundation for years to come, I will consider it a success.

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