Castellanos, Schwarber, Knebel, Familia, Hand, oh my! The Phillies roster for the 2022 season is basically set. The new faces have energized the fan base. There hasn’t been this level of hype for a season since 2012.
What should we expect from the new additions? Let’s run through them.
Nick Castellanos
Besides Twitter exploding anytime Nick Castellanos hits a homer to make it a 4-0 ballgame, what else should we expect from the Phillies’ new $20 million man?
Castellanos was quietly one of the best hitters since 2016. In that time span, he slashed .286/.338/.515 with a 122 OPS+. He averaged 24 home runs, 76 RBI, and 36 doubles. In 2021, Castellanos has his best season, slashing .309/.362/.572 with 34 homers.
It’s slightly surprising that 2021 was his first 30+ homer season. It’s less surprising when you realize Castellanos played 3.5 of those peak years in Detroit whose centerfield wall extends to 420 feet.
Expect a 2nd straight All-Star appearance from Castellanos and another season of over 30 home runs.
Kyle Schwarber
Kyle Schwarber reunites with the hitting coach that unlocked potential in 2021. The Phillies brought Kevin Long aboard early in the offseason. It seemed to signal their interest in Schwarber. Through Long’s instruction, Schwarber slugged 25 homers in 72 games for the Nationals. Per 162 games, he’s averaged 37 home runs a season.
He’s not going to have a high batting average. Instead, think of him as Rhys Hoskins with a little more pop. If he stays healthy (with the DH that shouldn’t be that hard), expect close to 40 homers for the former Cub.
Corey Knebel
Corey Knebel will be the closer for the 2022 Phillies. His only full year of closing duties was 2017 when he had a 1.78 ERA and 39 saves with the Brewers. Last season, he had a 2.45 ERA for the Dodgers.
You shouldn’t expect that ERA from 2017 but Knebel is here on a 1-year deal to prove himself as a closer again. If he stays healthy, expect a really good, borderline great, season from Knebel as closer.
Jeurys Familia
From 2014-2016, Jeurys Familia was one of the best relievers in baseball. In that time, he recorded 99 saves with a 2.20 ERA. He’s not that anymore but still is effective. In the past 2 years, he’s posted a 3.87 ERA.
In 2021, Familia had the best K/9 ratio of his career, striking out 10.9 per 9 IP. He also still throws 97 MPH. Don’t expect a ton from the former Met. Think Archie Bradley with more strikeouts.
Brad Hand
Just like Familia, Brad Hand had a stretch as one of the best relievers in the game. From 2016-2020, Hand saved 104 games with a 2.70 ERA. Hand played for 3 teams in 2021. He was terrible with Toronto in just 8.2 IP. He was mediocre with the Nationals in 42.2 IP. With the Mets, he matched that 2.70 ERA in 13.1 IP.
Hand probably won’t have a 2.70 ERA. Expect a mid-3 ERA.
Johan Camargo
Let’s be honest with ourselves. Johan Camargo hasn’t been good since 2018. There should be little to no expectation here. If Camargo does contribute, consider him like Ronald Torreyes last season.
Nick Nelson
Nick Nelson is only 25-years-old. His cup of coffee with the Yankees should not be what he’s judged on. His fastball averages 96 MPH. Nelson had a heck of a spring. In 8 IP, he posted a 1.13 ERA, walked no one, and struck out 11.
The expectations are low but Nelson could be a pleasant surprise on the 2022 Phillies roster.
Photo By: Steven King/Icon Sportswire
