Darick Hall
The Phillies’ former 14th-round pick from the 2016 MLB Draft, Darick Hall, had some success as the ballclub’s designated hitter during the middle part of the 2022 season. In 41 games, he compiled a .250 batting average with an .804 OPS and a 122 OPS+, along with 19 runs scored, eight doubles, nine home runs, and 16 RBI.
The opportunity appeared to be there for the taking once again for Hall in 2023 when Rhys Hoskins went down with a season-ending torn ACL injury in Spring Training. As a result, Hall started at first base for the Phillies to begin the year. Unfortunately, he suffered a torn ligament in his thumb just a few games into the season and ended up missing a fair amount of time.
When he finally did make it back to the major league roster in July, he only managed to get in a few more games before the Phillies decided to have Bryce Harper permanently play first base. In doing so, it took Hall out of his playing spot and ultimately led to his demotion back to the minors.
In his brief stints with the Phillies in 2023, Hall posted a mediocre .167 batting average and a .437 OPS, with one home run, three RBI, and 18 strikeouts in just 54 at-bats in 18 games played.
With Harper recently announcing that he will stay at first base for 2024, along with the fact that Kyle Schwarber will primarily be in the DH spot as well, it appears there may no longer be a spot for Hall on the major league team. With his power bat and solid run production in the Phillies’ minor league system in the past few years, he could potentially serve as a valuable trade chip for the team instead.