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Phillies: What defines success in the 2018 season?

By George Stockburger

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 30: Rhys Hoskins #17 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits an RBI single against the New York Mets during the seventh inning of a game at Citizens Bank Park on September 30, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 30: Rhys Hoskins #17 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits an RBI single against the New York Mets during the seventh inning of a game at Citizens Bank Park on September 30, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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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.

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