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Phillies 2018 season preview: Left fielder Rhys Hoskins

By Koy Zdimal

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 21: Rhys Hoskins #17 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a two-run double in the fifth inning during a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citizens Bank Park on September 21, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 21: Rhys Hoskins #17 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a two-run double in the fifth inning during a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citizens Bank Park on September 21, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images) /
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Rhys Hoskins enters 2018 with the weight of the Phillies franchise on his shoulders. Now he must prove 2017 was not a fluke but the beginning of something greater.

2017 was filled with rookie sluggers. Aaron Judge won the American League Rookie of the Year and finished runner up in MVP behind a rookie-record 52 home runs. Cody Bellinger finished with 39 home runs, second only to Giancarlo Stanton in the NL. But as 2017 wrapped up, the rookie star was Phillies‘ Rhys Hoskins.

Hoskins stole the show in his 50-game major-league stint to end the season. He broke several rookie records of his own, mashing 18 home runs in just 170 at bats. His power surge came as no surprise to fans as Hoskins had mashed 67 home runs in his previous two minor league seasons.

Hoskins was more than just power though, having an outstanding .396 on base percentage. He walked an unbelievable 17% of plate appearances and drove in 48 runs. He established himself as one of the most feared batters in the National League, often drawing walks and being pitched around in key moments late in games.

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Now, as the 2018 season approaches, the biggest challenge Hoskins faces is the overwhelming expectations.

Offensively, the main obstacle Hoskins will look to improve on is the same one all power hitters have: too many strike outs. Hoskins struck out more times then he got a hit with 46 hits compared to 44 strikeouts, causing his batting average to dip to .259. Strikeouts and home runs took up 37 percent of his at-bats.

This could be an easy fix for Hoskins in his sophomore season. He will have more experience against major-league pitching and will likely take the next step forward as a hitter.

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Defensively, Hoskins will have to adapt to his new role in the outfield. He was drafted and came up through the minors as a first baseman. Following the signing of Carlos Santana Hoskins will shift back to left field. It will not be new territory for Hoskins as he actually played 29 games there in 2017 only making one error while making a unbelievable triple play.

Baseball Prospectus has Hoskins projected to hit .259, 36 home runs and drive in 101 runs this season. Personally, I believe the home runs and RBI are beyond reasonable. I don’t see Hoskins repeating a .259 batting average season.

I see Hoskins at a .268/.374/.958 season with 33 home runs, 104 runs batted in, 72 walks and 167 strikeouts over 480 PA in 2018.

Next: Phillies 2018 season preview: OF Nick Williams

In a short period of time, Hoskins has taken over as face of the franchise. He now appears to be a cornerstone to the Phillies rebuild and could possibly guide them to a playoff berth this year. Hopefully, Hoskins will be able to fully establish himself as one of the top left fielders in baseball this season.

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