Phillies: Potential DH options if new rules are enacted

Nick Williams

If there’s going to be an odd-man out of the Phillies starting lineup should Bryce Harper (finally) sign, it’s going to be Nick Williams.

While once a touted prospect Williams hasn’t done enough in 223 major league games to prove he’s more than a platoon outfielder. Is that fair? Probably not, but it’s the nature of the business of baseball these days. Players are on short leashes, especially on teams trying to compete for a playoff spot.

Williams has shown signs of success at the plate, but overall he struggled last year with a -1.0 WAR for the season.

Check out William’s batting averages per month last year. Note that he started the season on the bench behind Aaron Altherr.

March/April: 59 plate appearances, .185 batting average

May: 65 plate appearances, .293 batting average

June: 86 plate appearances, .218 batting average

July: 101 plate appearances, .311 batting average

August: 100 plate appearances, .272 batting average

Sept/Oct: 37 plate appearances, .200 batting average

Every player goes through peaks and valleys, but Williams was all over the place last year.

In the field, Williams struggled as well and overall Alther’s numbers were better, though he spent time in Lehigh Valley after Williams took over the full-time job.

Potentially moving Williams to the DH role would save some runs in the field and allow him to focus on his hitting. He’s still a valuable asset to the franchise as a 25-year-old who won’t become a free agent until 2024.