With the National League adopting the Designated Hitter at some point in the near future, the need for a great pinch-hitter like a Greg Dobbs or Matt Stairs is going to become more and more obsolete.
But you still need 26 players on the active roster, so here is who I believe should be coming off the bench for the Phillies in 2022.
Here, we’re going with a 5-man bench for the Phillies.
Luke Williams
Luke Williams was a head-turner for a lot of people this past season. Having been a standout for the United States’ Olympic team before getting the call to the show, people knew Williams’s potential and wanted to use develop it further.
Williams made his Major League debut on June 8th and showed Phillies fans what the hype was about. In 58 games Williams slashed .245/.315/.316. In his first game, Williams tallied his first career hit on a bunt single in his first at-bat and scored a run.
In his second game, Williams hit the biggest home run of his life, and maybe of the Phillies season- a walk-off against the eventual World Champion Atlanta Braves. That was Williams’ only home run of the year, but he isn’t a power guy.
Williams also finished with six RBIs and eight runs scored, while stealing two bases, good for a 0.1 WAR in 98 at-bats over 58 games.
Nick Maton
Nick Maton was another Phillie to make his Major League debut in 2021. In his rookie season, Maton slashed .256/.323/.385 with two home runs and 14 RBIs in 131 plate appearances.
Maton flip-flopped between the Majors and Triple-A for most of the season but can be a big part of the Phillies plans in 2022. With his ability to play both middle infield positions, Maton is a versatile young piece for the Phillies.
Maton is a plus defender in the middle infield. Splitting time between shortstop and second base for 41 games. Maton had a .966 fielding percentage and four errors. Not the best defender statistically but given what the Phillies had in the field last year, Maton doesn’t give the Phillies a reason to not put him in the field.
Brad Miller (Free Agent)
Brad Miller was everywhere for the Phillies in 2021. The super-utility man was ultra-reliable for Joe Girardi whenever he was needed. Miller split time
Bamboo Brad split time in a variety of different positions in his second stint with the Phillies last season before taking over for the injured Rhys Hoskins down the stretch.
In 2021 Miller hit .227/.321/.317 across 140 games for the often injury-ridden Phils. Miller had 20 home runs and 49 RBIs off the bench and starting for the Phillies.
Miller is a free agent, so the Phillies will have to bring him back for the third time. Miller can be a valuable piece for any team, but he is known and loved by the Phillies and the fans. Bryce Harper said Miller was his hype man every day during his MVP campaign.
Rafael Marchan
In this world, Rafael Marchan gets the backup catcher position for the Phillies if he’s on the team and isn’t traded. Marchan is an upgrade to the Phillies’ former number two backstop Andrew Knapp.
Marchan is 22 with little service time and a large upside. His name is linked to trade rumors both now and at the deadline this past season.
In 2021, Marchan slashed .231/.286.364 with one home run and four RBIs in 20 games. Marchan didn’t provide much production for the Phillies.
Behind the dish, Marcha threw out 50% of runners trying to steal a base (3-6).
There has been a small sample size of what Rafael Marchan can do, but if given the opportunity, he could turn a lot of heads
Mickey Moniak
Mickey Moniak was the first overall pick for the Phillies in 2016. He hasn’t been given a real shot in the big leagues for the Phillies.
In a limited role in 2021, Moniak slashed .091/.167/.182 with one home run and three RBIs in 21 games. Moniak didn’t produce very much for the Phillies, but they made the investment in him, not its time to let him play.
Moniak only has 63 days of service time, so to call him a bust at this point is extreme. If he gets the chance to play, there is no reason why fans shouldn’t be very excited to see him playing for the Phillies for years to come.
Photo Credit: Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire
