Fansided

One offseason move each MLB team needs to make

By Joshua Sadlock

MIAMI, FL - OCTOBER 01: Giancarlo Stanton #27 of the Miami Marlins during the game against the Atlanta Braves at Marlins Park on October 1, 2017 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Miami Marlins via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - OCTOBER 01: Giancarlo Stanton #27 of the Miami Marlins during the game against the Atlanta Braves at Marlins Park on October 1, 2017 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Miami Marlins via Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 13: Rhys Hoskins #17 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a two run home run in the bottom of the fifth inning against the Miami Marlins at Citizens Bank Park on September 13, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Marlins 8-1. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 13: Rhys Hoskins #17 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a two run home run in the bottom of the fifth inning against the Miami Marlins at Citizens Bank Park on September 13, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Marlins 8-1. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Philadelphia Phillies: Start setting up for 2018

The Phillies are in a deep rebuild with prospects beginning to reach the big leagues. Their young outfield of Odubel Herrera, Nick Williams and Aaron Altherr combined for 45 home runs, with Altherr posting an .858 OPS. Then, there’s Rhys Hoskins, who matched Giancarlo Stanton homer for homer for nearly two months. Hoskins hit 18 home runs and drove in 48 in only 50 games.

Philadelphia has been setting themselves up well to spend a boatload of money on the epic class of free agents that hits the open market after the 2018 season. There’s no point in signing any big names from this year’s middling class, but the Phillies need to be ready to wade back into free agency next year and begin accelerating their rebuild.

The 2017 season was a step backward for the Phillies young starting rotation, especially for Vince Velasquez and Jerad Eickhoff. The Phillies did manage to go 37-38 in the second half with an even run differential. Things could be starting to turn, and the 2018 season needs to be about showcasing a roster headed in the right direction.

Third basemen Manny Machado and Josh Donaldson stand out as the two players the Phillies should be targeting most aggressively. Two years later, they will be able to empty the bank for South Jersey native Mike Trout. For now, the Phillies need to keep their powder dry. Sign a veteran starter or two for the purpose of sopping up innings, but have a quiet offseason overall and get ready for the next class.

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