A 22-home run season doesn't mean what it used to.
Former Phillies first baseman Tommy Joseph, who hit 21 homers in 2016 and 22 in 2017, has agreed to a one-year, $1 million deal to play in Korea, according to Jeff Passan.
This just isn't the era for a major-leaguer whose lone defining skill is power, especially if first base is the only position you can play. It seems like everyone has power these days. There were exactly 100 players with 20+ home runs this past season. Just five years ago, in 2013, there were 70.
Joseph spent last season in the Texas Rangers organization after they selected him off waivers on March 19. In 357 plate appearances with Triple A Round Rock, he hit .284 with 21 homers and an .884 OPS.
This is a logical move for Joseph to go overseas where he can make more of an impact. Look no further than former Phillies first baseman Darin Ruf, who has excelled the last two seasons in the same league (KBO).
In those two seasons, Ruf has hit .322/.412/.587 with 64 homers and 249 RBI.
It's a good opportunity for Joseph to go make some money (more than he'd make if he stayed in the states), hit some longballs and perhaps reestablish his value to potentially return to the majors someday. Even if he doesn't, plenty of former big-leaguers have found money and comfort playing in Asia.
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