Hunter Pence: What a difference a deadline deal makes

Hunter Pence knows what’s on the horizon.

And he can’t wait.

For the first time in his career, Pence will be playing in the postseason when the Phillies open the NLDS for the fifth consecutive season. But it will be a first for Pence, who was acquired from the Astros for four minor leaguers before the July 31 trade deadline.

“It’s what every player wants, and of course, I want it, too,” Pence said. “I can’t wait. I’m ready to go.”

Pence has been everything the Phillies hoped for and then some since joining the club. His all-out hustle immediately won over the fan base and his production won over the Phillies.

It’s been a win-win all the way around. If Pence can help the Phillies win another World Series, imagine the reaction.

“Let’s take it one step at a time,” Pence said. “To win my first division title and pop the champagne, that was really cool. Let’s go win each series one at a time. I think every player in this clubhouse has one common goal — to win a World Series. You can’t look ahead. You have to take it each step at a time.”

Adding a piece like Pence makes that final step of a parade seem more possible. Since losing Jayson Werth to the Nationals in free agency, the Phillies struggled for consistency in right field. That is, until Pence came along.

“I was honored to come here,” Pence said. “This is a great club and a great clubhouse with a group of guys all focused on the same thing. We’re all on the same page.

“They traded for me and I want to keep showing them what I can do each and every day. I play hard all the time and will do all I can to help these guys win every single game.”