Revisiting the Phillies’ 2017 Offseason: A Balancing Act in Rebuilding…
Retroactive Assessment of Phillies Offseason: 2017…
Another year characterized by the ongoing rebuilding process.
Following a somewhat surprising 2016 season in which the Phillies surpassed (admittedly low) expectations by winning 71 games—an eight-game improvement from the previous year—many wondered if the team would capitalize on this momentum with significant signings to propel them forward. Contrary to such expectations, the Phillies remained committed to their rebuilding strategy, steering clear of high-profile acquisitions. Nevertheless, they did bring in experienced Major League players, aiming to enhance on-field performance without compromising future plans.
Key Transactions:
1. Signed pitcher Jeremy Hellickson as a free agent (one year)
2. Signed outfielder Michael Saunders as a free agent (one year)
3. Signed reliever Joaquin Benoit as a free agent (one year)
4. Traded for starter Clay Buchholz
5. Traded for infielder Howie Kendrick
6. Traded for reliever Pat Neshek
Evaluation:
The Phillies sought to bolster their roster with cost-effective Major League talent. Hellickson, reacquired to provide stability to a young rotation, delivered serviceable innings before being traded to the Orioles for prospects. Taking a risk on the two-time All-Star Buchholz, recovering from a challenging season, proved futile due to injuries limiting him to only two starts.
I think my favorite Matt Klentak quote of all time is this one, when he explained how Michael Saunders was going to carry the Phillies for a month. https://t.co/ZFacD7ohID
— Jonny Heller (@JonnyHeller) November 25, 2019
Kendrick and Saunders, anticipated as “professional hitters,” failed to meet expectations. Kendrick’s injury-marred season led to a trade at the deadline for a prospect and international pool money. Saunders, struggling since the second half of 2016, continued his decline and was released in June.
On a positive note, the bullpen acquisitions proved effective. Benoit contributed effectively in middle relief before being traded for a prospect, while Neshek earned an All-Star nod and was subsequently traded for prospects at the deadline, only to return to the team as a free agent the following year.
Concluding Thoughts:
The Phillies once again experienced that opting for less expensive options often yields less-than-stellar results. Most of the veteran signings turned out to be disappointments, and instead of building on the 2016 overachievement, the team regressed. However, considering the short-term deals and low-risk trades involved, the repercussions were not long-lasting.
This season marked the end of interim manager Pete Mackanin’s tenure, as he was replaced by GM Matt Klentak’s choice. The subsequent year would prove to be a turning point for the Phillies.
Overall Grade: C-
Rhys Hoskins Bids Farewell to Phillies, Joins Milwaukee Brewers in a $34 Million Deal…
Phillies’ star player, Rhys Hoskins, has officially departed from Philadelphia and secured a two-year contract with the Milwaukee Brewers, valued at $34 million. The deal, negotiated by ESPN’s Jeff Passan, includes an opt-out option after the 2024 season. This move follows the Phillies’ decision to transition Bryce Harper into the first baseman role, signaling the end of Hoskins’ tenure with the team.
Known for his consistent 30-plus home run seasons and offensive prowess, Hoskins leaves a notable void in the Phillies’ lineup. Despite occasional inconsistency, the team valued the predictability of his contributions. In contrast, the Brewers see this acquisition as a significant boost to their lineup, particularly benefiting from Hoskins’ productive right-handed hitting power.
As the Brewers undergo changes and payroll reductions, Hoskins, alongside Christian Yelich and William Contreras, is expected to play a central role in addressing the team’s offensive challenges. During his six seasons with the Phillies, the former fifth-round draft pick compiled impressive statistics, including a .242 batting average, 148 home runs, 405 RBIs, and an .846 OPS in 667 games. Notably, his postseason performances in the 2022 NLDS and NLCS will be etched in Phillies’ history.
While acknowledging his occasional defensive struggles and offensive slumps, Phillies fans will miss Hoskins, recognizing his integral role in the team’s rebuilding phase. Unfortunately, an untimely ACL injury deprived fans of witnessing his final season in a Phillies uniform. Despite this setback, he contributed to the Phillies’ unexpected 2022 World Series run. His departure marks the end of an era, and the Brewers gain not only a skilled player but also a respected clubhouse leader.
To bid farewell and show appreciation, Phillies fans will have the opportunity to see Hoskins in his new Brewers uniform during a three-game series at Citizens Bank Park on June 3-5.
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