Phillies season wrap: Which players’ stocks have risen, dropped in 2016?

In a season filled with few ups that were tucked away within more downs, the Phillies certainly had some bright spots.

Which players saw their stock rise the most? On the flip side, who took the biggest hit?

Risers

Cesar Hernandez

All he did was lead the team with a .294 average and put an end to any discussion that he should hit the bench in favor of J.P. Crawford. Hernandez batted well over .300 over the final two months, including a monster month of September that saw him knock in 22 runs. The Phillies will find a way to play him in 2017.

Alec Asher

A bit of a surprise, Asher came in and started just five games, but definitely left an impression while making a strong case for next season. He went 2-1 with a 2.28 ERA while striking out 13 guys compared to just four free passes. His three quality starts, too, should serve well for him when vying for a spot in the spring.

Cameron Rupp

Talk about showing up at an opportune time. Rupp played over 100 games for the first time in his career, batting .252 with 54 RBI and 16 RBI. The 28-year-old could feel guys like Jorge Alfaro creeping up within the organization and went out and produced at a respectable clip. Will it be enough to keep him starting next season? Spring training will decide that, but right now, the ticker is pointing up for the Texas native.

Ryan Howard

Huh? No, his stock in Philadelphia didn’t change, but his prospectus heading into free agency should improve. Any American League team in need of a designated hitter will take a look at the 36-year-old. He won’t ever be an average hitter, he may never eclipse .240 again, but his 25 home runs were more than he had since 2011. His 59 RBI weren’t where they normally be, but seeing his power swing come back has to help his cause for a one-year deal.

Jeremy Hellickson

Like Howard, Hellickson improved his free agency value. Unlike Howard, he did it in grand fashion. Hellickson was the team’s best pitcher, looked dominant at times, and is all but certain to receive a healthy contract this winter.

Sinkers

Freddy Galvis

With Crawford scratching at the surface for a spot on the Opening Day roster next spring, Galvis didn’t do himself any favors this season. His .241 average was 20 points lower than 2015, and his on-base percentage also took a hit by almost 30 points. His defense remained reliable, but his bat won’t keep him in the lineup.

Jeanmar Gomez

This was a complete 180. At the midway point, he was among the top closers in baseball with 24 saves. His numbers post-All Star break were dismal. He had an 8.33 ERA in 31 appearances, blowing four saves. He was only able to close out 13 games in the second half. Gomez looked as though he cemented himself as the closer for next season – that changed.

Tyler Goeddel

Perhaps not expected to do a whole lot this season, Goeddel didn’t do a whole lot in his first run with the club. He played well in the field, but didn’t prove anything with his bat, collecting a .192 average in 213 at-bats.