Phillies end-of-year awards: Most/Least Valuable, Cy Young/Yuk

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 30: Rhys Hoskins #17 of the Philadelphia Phillies waves his cap to the fans after defeating the Atlanta Braves 3-1 during a game at Citizens Bank Park on September 30, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 30: Rhys Hoskins #17 of the Philadelphia Phillies waves his cap to the fans after defeating the Atlanta Braves 3-1 during a game at Citizens Bank Park on September 30, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 17: Rhys Hoskins #17 of the Philadelphia Phillies tosses his helmet after being called for batters interference to end the fifth inning against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park on September 17, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Mets defeated the Phillies 9-4. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Most Valuable Player: Rhys Hoskins

No Phillie eclipsed three wins above replacement this season, which is generally how many a player needs to be considered an above-average starter. This is likely due to almost everyone on the team being below-average defensively. However, when you throw defense out the window, one player reigns supreme: Rhys Hoskins.

Hoskins followed up his historic rookie campaign with a strong offensive season. He finished the year with a .246/.354/.496 line with 34 home runs, 96 runs batted in, a 129 wRC+, and 2.9 Fangraphs wins above replacement. He led full-time Phillies in home runs, runs batted in, OPS, wRC+, and fWAR.

In addition to leading the team in several offensive categories, Hoskins ranked among the best hitters in the National League. Among qualified NL hitters, Hoskins finished tied for sixth in home runs, 10th in runs batted in, 14th in wRC+, 15th in OPS, and 18th in walk-to-strikeout ratio.

While Hoskins did not appear in the All-Star Game, he was able to participate in the Home Run Derby. He advanced to the semifinals before losing to Kyle Schwarber, putting himself on the national stage for the first time. He will continue to represent the team when he goes with other stars in the league to Japan during the offseason.

With a position move next year and some improvement to his batting average, Hoskins may be able to contend for the NL MVP award.

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