Mar 13, 2019; Tampa, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins (17) singles during the fifth inning against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Photo Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Rhys Hoskins, OF, Philadelphia Phillies
2018: It would have been nearly impossible for Hoskins to reproduce his 55-homer pace from his debut, but at least he proved the power is genuine. Most impressive was his ability to pair 34 home runs with a stellar 7.9-percent swinging-strike rate. Only one red flag from 2017 was not addressed: Hoskins’ very low batting average on balls in play (.272 BABIP).
Forecast: Hoskins’ prolific fly-ball rate (51.7 percent) confirms his power not only is bankable but carries 40-homer upside, should he regress positively toward his 2017 and minor league numbers. Ultimately, his BABIP (.265 through 200-plus games) will determine whether his 35-to 40-homer bat is more like Edwin Encarnacion (.250 average) or Nolan Arenado (.300). Both are fine company.
2019 Projections: .256 avg., 33 doubles, one triple, 42 home runs, 110 RBIs, 87 runs, six stolen bases.
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