Phillies: Three players with something to prove in spring training

Which Philadelphia Phillies are worth watching closely during spring training?

Phillies spring training is right around the corner, with pitchers and catchers reporting on Tuesday before position players report on February 16.

Baseball’s pre-season is not only a chance to knock off the rust, but an opportunity for some to earn a spot on the roster or prove their worth heading into the regular season.

Several Phillies come into 2020 with something to prove, and they each are at risk of losing either a major role, not making the 25-man roster, or being outright released.

Here’s a look at three of the players who have the most to lose and have to prove themselves.

Nick Williams

Nick Williams enters his fourth season in the majors behind a crowded outfield in Philadelphia.

Bryce Harper, Andrew McCutchen and Adam Haseley are expected to start, with Jay Bruce and Roman Quinn as top candidates to come off the bench.

McCutchen was limited to 59 games last year due to injury, while Bruce was acquired a couple of months into the season.

Williams played in 67 games, with a slash line of .151/.196/.245, alongside two home runs, five RBIs and a -1.2 WAR.

He was below Harper, McCutchen, Haseley, Bruce and Quinn in each of those categories, though he also had the least number of at-bats, two less than Quinn but more than a hundred less than the next nearest player.

The MLB.com depth chart has Williams fourth in right field and third in left field, where he’s ahead of only Nick Martini.

For Williams, spring training will give him a chance to prove that he deserves more at-bats and can be one of the primary backup outfielders.