Phillies: Five players who could be traded this offseason

Cesar Hernandez

Since joining the Phillies in 2013 Cesar Hernandez has been as consistent as any player on the 25-man roster. Many will say he has overachieved six years into his major league career, going from a utility player to a quality second baseman.

While Hernandez is not having a career-year this season his power and walk numbers are at an all-time high. His home run numbers have increased every season of his career, and his 92 walks are well-beyond anything he’s ever done in his professional career.

However, there is no room for Hernandez in the Phillies long-term plan despite him being the everyday second baseman since Chase Utley was traded.

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Scott Kingery, no matter how abysmal his rookie season was, is viewed as the second baseman of the future. His six-year contract proves that, and perhaps moving him back to second will lead to production at the plate.

Trade value for Hernandez likely won’t be at an all-time high after hitting .255 this year after two consecutive years of hitting .294. Some of that could be thanks to the coaching staff wanting him to walk more as a leadoff hitter, something he certainly accomplished.

Despite their success, Boston had the worst WAR among second basemen this year at -2.6 thanks to Dustin Pedroia’s ailing knees.

The team has gone as far as adding veterans Ian Kinsler and Brandon Phillips, both at least 36-years-old, and starting Eduardo Nunez, a free agent after this season.

If one player is going to be gone this offseason, I’d pick Hernandez out of the lot.