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Phillies: Three bold predictions for an exciting 2019

By Matthew Landmesser

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 30: Rhys Hoskins #17 of the Philadelphia Phillies take the field before a game against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park on September 30, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Braves 3-1. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 30: Rhys Hoskins #17 of the Philadelphia Phillies take the field before a game against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park on September 30, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Braves 3-1. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 16: Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals switches hats with J.T. Realmuto #11 of the Miami Marlins during the National League All-Star team photo during Gatorade All-Star Workout Day at Nationals Park on July 16, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

The Phillies will send six players to the All Star Game. 

This may not seem like a bold prediction, given that the Phillies added three All Stars from last season, but think about this.  No team from the NL last year had six representatives. The Brewers had the most with five, and only Cleveland and Houston had six in the AL. Even in 2017, only the Dodgers had six All Stars, while the Phillies have only had one each of the last two seasons (Pat Neshek, and Nola). Here are my selections for the 2019 All Star Game in Cleveland:

Nola. Realmuto. Harper. Hoskins. Pivetta. Segura. 

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Nola will make the roster for the second year in a row, on his way to another Cy Young-esque season. Realmuto is the best catcher in the game, and he will cement that by getting the start in his second straight All-Star game. Harper is the third lock for me, as a six-time All Star moving into a home run-friendly park.

Hoskins will have to beat out some stiff competition at first, with the likes of Freddie Freeman, Paul Goldschmidt, Joey Votto, Anthony Rizzo, Jesus Aguilar, and Matt Carpenter in a very crowded field. However, now that he is back in his natural defensive position, Hoskins mind will be at ease, and will put up MVP-type offensive numbers.

If Pivetta is going to have the breakout year that reporters across every outlet say he will, he’ll be a shoe-in for an All Star appearance.

As for Segura, my dark-horse candidate for MVP, the road will be as tough as Hoskins. Shortstop is very top-heavy in the NL, with Trevor Story, Javy Baez, and Trea Turner, not to mention if Manny Machado decides to play there. Yet, Segura will put up the numbers and flash the leather in order to get himself selected.

dark. Next. Phillies 2019 season preview: Third baseman Maikel Franco

These bold predictions could lead to the Phillies running away with the NL, if they come to fruition. At the very least, 2019 is going to be fun to watch.

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