Phillies shortstop Freddy Galvis comes into 2017 with high expectations and even more pressure as he looks to improve on an impressive 2016 season.

It feels like only yesterday that a young Freddy Galvis was breaking into the big leagues for the Phillies and playing second fiddle to franchise icons, Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley. The 22-year-old from Venezula was still learning the ropes as well as learning how he would fit in Philadelphia long-term.

The cards have fallen in his favor. The Phils ultimately began to struggle and Rollins was dealt to Los Angeles for Tom Windle and Zach Eflin. Galvis became the heir to the shortstop throne after the trade, playing in 309 games since 2014, all but 11 being at his primary position.

Galvis has seen himself grow as a player and with his maturity has come some unexpected power. The shortstop belted a career high 20 home runs in 2016, a feat made even more spectacular by the fact that he came into the year with 20 home runs total.

Outlook for 2017

Galvis should see similar playing time as he did in 2016 and should take advantage of this. At 27, the switch hitter is coming into the peak of his career and should be able to add to his impressive power numbers from last season. However, Galvis’ future with in Philadelphia is as murky now as it ever has been.

Galvis now finds himself in the very same position in which he benefited from just 3 years ago.

He has an equally talented, yet differently skilled, Cesar Hernandez to his left and even more powerful Maikel Franco to his right. Not to mention, the Phillies number one prospect, J.P. Crawford is waiting in the wings to make the jump to the majors and Galvis is directly in his path.

Galvis has established himself as an above average shortstop but, in the grand scheme of things, he may be no more than a stop gap for the future of Phillies baseball.

Prediction

Galvis will end up improving on his .241 batting average from 2016 but at the sake of some power. Expect him to finish the season in the low to mid .250s with 28-30 doubles and 13-15 home runs.

Make sure to watch this team come the trade deadline as well.

If Crawford shows that he is ready to make the jump to the majors, you can expect one of either Galvis or Hernandez to be on the move.

All statistics referenced from Baseball Reference.