Phillies Odubel Herrera’s career numbers are already historic

No player is as divisive among the Phillies fanbase as Odubel Herrera

Clutch hitting, baserunning blunders, and an infectious personality best describe Phillies centerfielder Odubel Herrera, who enters the second year of a five-year extension. One of the better Rule 5 selections in franchise history, Herrera continues to develop into a quality hitter with a solid glove in center.

Just three years into his major league career, Herrera is already approaching major statistical milestones. He’s 13 home runs away from 50, one stolen base away from 50, and 38 hits away from 500.

Those numbers aren’t just monumental for Herrera as an athlete, but it ranks among elite territory in franchise history. Few players in franchise history have ever collected 500 hits, 50 home runs, and 50 stolen bases, let alone at the pace El Torito has in just 444 career games.

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Herrera will go into this season looking to cement himself as one of the quickest players in franchise history to ever reach the 50/50/500 club with just 444 games. Bobby Abreu currently holds the record over 439 games with Philadelphia, followed by Juan Samuel at 454 games.

The home runs are what will keep Herrera from staying near the top of the list, but it’s a stat easily obtainable for a player that’s hit at least 14 home runs in his last two seasons. Should he reach all three marks in fewer than 150 games, he’d be ahead of Scott Rolen, who reached the feat in 593 games with the Phils.

That’d be faster than the franchise’s leaders in WAR among post-deadball-era hitters Mike Schmidt, Richie Ashburn, and Chase Utley.

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Herrera is far from a polished player, but don’t be so quick to discount him as an important piece to the Phillies future. He’s displayed rare ability and a unique combination of skills that match up with franchise greats.