Will Rhys Hoskins Rebound from his 2019 Second Half Slump and Become a Consistent Part of a Potentially Potent Phillies Offense?
It was late in the season in 2017. The Phillies had already traded away the last of the members of the 2008 World Championship team. Despite a fast start in April, including a six game winning streak at the end of the month, this was clearly a rebuilding year. This was the second full season for team President Andy MacPhail and General Manager Matt Klentak, and while fans were asked to endure some difficult times, there was supposedly promise in the years to come. Analysts promised fans that there was talent in the minor league system, just waiting to burst through and bring contention to the Phillies. One such prospect was Rhys Hoskins. A fifth round draft pick in 2014, Hoskins impressed with his offensive prowess in the minors. In 2015, spending half his season each at low A Lakewood, and high A Clearwater, Hoskins batted .319 with 17 home runs. In the next season, he developed his power with AA Reading, hitting 38 home runs, just 2 behind...