Three Phillies that could be moved before Opening Day

Mar 10, 2019

PORT CHARLOTTE, FL - FEBRUARY 22: Nick Williams #5 of the Philadelphia Phillies makes some contact at the plate during the Spring Training game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Charlotte Sports Park on February 22, 2019 in Port Charlotte, Florida. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images) /

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NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 08: Nick Williams #5 of the Philadelphia Phillies in action against the New York Mets during a game at Citi Field on September 8, 2018 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. The Mets defeated the Phillies 10-5. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

Nick Williams

In 2017 before Rhys Hoskins came to town there was a different young promising outfielder in the form of Nick Williams. Williams burst onto the scene with a great rookie campaign looking like a potential cornerstone piece for the Phils. In 313 at-bats that season, Williams posted a .288/.338/.473 slash line with 12 home runs and 55 RBI accumulating a 1.6 oWAR.

Over a full season, many hoped and expected Williams to take a step forward in 2018. However, he seemed to the opposite. In 94 more at-bats, Williams only had five more home runs with five fewer runs batted in while seeing all his averages take a major dip. Williams also struggled defensively, committing the fifth-most errors by a right fielder with a career defensive WAR of -4.0.

Of the Phillies players potentially on the trade block, Williams would likely generate the best return value. The 25-year-old has already shown plenty of potential at the major-league level and would likely continue to deliver off the bench for the Phillies even in a reduced role. Williams has shown the ability to any of the three outfield spots, primarily in right last season.

Now with a notable new name poised to start in right field, the outfield is looking quite crowded. With Harper, Herrera and McCutchen likely starting and prospects Mickey Moniak and Adam Haseley moving up in the system, it seems like only a matter of time before Williams is moved. It seems now the only question is if Williams will be traded now, in July or next offseason.