Phillies: 3 players who could crack the 2021 MLB Top 100

Three Phillies are ready to emerge as baseball’s best and brightest

When MLB.com’s “Top 100 players” article was released, it was revealed that the Phillies would have three players on the list: Bryce Harper (33), Aaron Nola (81), and JT Realmuto (41).

Obviously, the team would probably prefer it if they had just a few more names crack that list.

Ignoring the guys who are already members of the exclusive club, here are three current Phillies who could be primed to also be labeled a top 100 player in baseball next year.

Zack Wheeler

Since Zack Wheeler inked his 5-year/$118 million dollar contract with the Phillies this offseason, the hype surrounding the hard throwing right-hander has been real. Entering just his sixth season as a major league starter, Wheeler has yet to put together a complete “ace-like” year. However, with a new team and an upgraded coaching staff, he could find his way onto the coveted MLB Top 100 list.

Wheeler relies heavily on his velocity when it comes to his pitching style, utilizing his four-seam fastball 61.6% of the team. Posting a career high average throwing speed of 96.7mph last year, along with a good amount of movement on the pitch, it’s clear why Wheeler loves using his fastball both early and late in counts.

Wheeler’s curve, slider, and change are all thrown pretty hard too, and his rarely thrown splitter may come into play more this season considering new Phillies’ pitching coach Bryan Price is known for his splitter work.

The Phillies have really struggled to find any consistency in their rotation over the last couple years, hence why they were so quick to snag the former Mets pitcher this offseason. Rotating through guys like Jerad Eickhoff, Drew Smyly, and Jason Vargas in 2019 ultimately was one of the team’s major downfalls.

This means that Joe Girardi and the Phillies will lean heavily on “Wheels” this year, running him as the team’s sole “#2” behind ace Aaron Nola. A spot which may even get some extra starts down the stretch into September. In theory, this should lead to more wins, more strikeouts, and ideally a lower ERA for Wheeler when it’s all said and done.

It’s hard to find many pitchers at the top of MLB’s rankings for 2020, however, considering guys like Charlie Morton, Hyun Jin-Ryu, and Jack Flaherty all went from being “unranked” to among the league’s top 55, it’s not unheard of for a player to crack the MLB’s list on the back of just one solid year.

Scott Kingery

A name that may surprise a few of you, but it’s a very real possibility that Scott Kingery is finally ready to take that next step in his career.

Kingery turned a whole lot of heads when he was signed to a 6 year/$24 million dollar extension before even making an appearance in the major leagues. The Phillies’ front office took a serious gamble on the kid at the time, banking on the fact that his minor league dominance would translate into big league success.

It wasn’t smooth sailing for Kingery immediately upon his arrival to the main roster. He hit .226 in 2018 and really struggled to drive the ball against the higher quality pitching he was facing. However, he made huge strides the following year in 2019. Kingery slashed .258/.315/.474 while also knocking in 34 doubles and 19 homers. Massive improvements across the board.

A big point of conversation when it comes to Kingery is his lack of an everyday position. He’s been jumbled around from the outfield, to third base, second base, and even shortstop. As a minor leaguer, Kingery was widely praised for his defensive capabilities. Actually winning a Gold Glove award as a second baseman in AA.

Entering his first year as Phillies manager, Girardi has made it a point of emphasis that he wants Kingery at one staple spot this season. The team has already begun experimenting with Jean Segura at third base to get everyone to fit in the new infield.

If Kingery can gain a newfound comfort level at a set position this year, while also continuing upon the current developmental track he’s on right now, the 25 year old could very well find himself ranked among the league’s best at the conclusion of 2020.