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Phillies: Potential DH options if new rules are enacted

By George Stockburger

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 14: Rhys Hoskins #17 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts after hitting a two run home run in the bottom of the sixth inning against the Miami Marlins at Citizens Bank Park on September 14, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Marlins 14-2. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 14: Rhys Hoskins #17 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts after hitting a two run home run in the bottom of the sixth inning against the Miami Marlins at Citizens Bank Park on September 14, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Marlins 14-2. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – JUNE 06: Dylan Cozens #25 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a two-run home run against the Chicago Cubs during the ninth inning on June 6, 2018 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – JUNE 06: Dylan Cozens #25 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a two-run home run against the Chicago Cubs during the ninth inning on June 6, 2018 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images) /

Dylan Cozens

When players start to hit a ton of home runs in Reading it’s exciting but also misleading. Reading is a very, very hitter’s friendly ballpark and strong players have an opportunity to do incredible things with their home run power.

Rhys Hoskins and Cozens set the minors on fire and broke records along the way when they created their own home run race in Reading. Cozens hit 40 home runs in 2016 for Reading and 27 for the IronPigs in 2017, both incredible feats.

Cozens has never been considered to be a top prospect but his raw power can’t be ignored. However, he might be on the path of Darin Ruf and Tommy Joseph, who each had 20 home run power but couldn’t stay in the big leagues. Both are playing overseas in Asia with no hopes of getting a big league chance anytime soon.

Cozens isn’t a great fielder and there’s no room for him at first base, so being able to be the prototypical designated hitter for Philadelphia makes sense if his bat can stay alive against big league pitching.

As long as he doesn’t turn into Chris Davis striking out 200 times and hitting sub-.200, Cozens could survive as a designated hitter in the big leagues. Otherwise, Cozens will drift off and be the next Ruf/Joseph.

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