5. Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies’ long, hard rebuilding process is finally starting to see show some solid dividends.
Shortstop J.P. Crawford is set to make his debut this season and expectations are high. He’s considered to be an all-around player with strong plate discipline and the ability to control the strike zone. Even after a disappointing 2016, expect him to be starting at shortstop for Philadelphia by the All-Star break.
Third baseman Maikel Franco has already established himself as a solid big-leaguer after a 25-homer 2016, though his slash line numbers dropped from 2015. There’s cause for concern when a player’s OPS drops from .840 to .733, but if his BABIP regresses up from .271, that could help clear things up.
Catcher Jorge Alfaro, a centerpiece of the Cole Hamels trade, could be a regular for Philly at catcher by the end of the year. In AA last season, Alfaro slashed .285/.325/.458 and flashed an impressive arm behind the plate.
Throw in the pipe dream of outfielder Mickey Moniak making his debut this year and Phillies fans can finally be excited about something.