CLEARWATER, Fla – At a recent Phillies-Yankees exhibition game, there were whispers about the possibilities of a Phillies-Yankees World Series this fall, the first since their last classic in 2009.

At that time, there was still hope that Phils’ first baseman Rhys Hoskins would be able to play at some point in the season. It was announced Tuesday that he will miss the entire season with a torn ACL in his left knee.

Ditto for Bryce Harper, who is scheduled to return from Tommy John Surgery at the end of June. Harper has been vague on his timetable, as it could be later or the whole season.

Fortunately, baseball is a long season, and the Phils’ climb to the World Series last year was certainly unexpected to say the least.

The Phils will begin their 141st season this afternoon in Texas with a 4:05 p.m. start when Aaron Nola opposes ex-Met Jacob deGrom. For the record, they left Clearwater with an overall 16-15 slate.

Hoskins’ injury certainly raises more questions than were previously raised as top pitching prospect starter Andrew Painter is sidelined indefinitely with an elbow injury, and fellow starter Ranger Suarez is bothered by a forearm strain.

Yet, most baseball aficionados have the Phils in the hunt for the NL East flag and the NL pennant with the Mets and Braves. They believe the Phils’ offense will have a very productive year.

A major reason is the addition of superstar shortstop Trea Turner, who inked an extensive 11-year, $330-plus million deal in the offseason. Turner, who will be a cornerstone for quite some time, already showed what he can do after his stellar performance in the World Baseball Classic. Turner hit .391 in the event and set a new mark for home runs (five).

Nick Castellanos should be able to rebound from a mediocre season last year in which he evolved into a postseason villain for his inability to hit in the clutch.

Castellanos is only a year removed from his 34-homer, 100 RBI, 38 doubles, .309 average season with Cincinnati. His ability to bounce back as the likely DH and right fielder - especially without Harper in the lineup - will determine the Phils’ postseason path.

If Tuner and Castellanos are in the groove, it will eliminate pressures from first baseman Darick Hall, who now has the chance to prove himself with Hoskins out. One-time Phillie phenom Darin Ruf was recently released by the Mets, and he could work as a righty platoon with Hall.

Alec Bohm and Bryson Scott are solid to round out the infield, and Brandon Marsh and Kyle Schwarber will be stable in the outfield. Jake Cave and Josh Harrison are the early replacements in right for Harper.

The Phils boosted their outfield defense by acquiring Christian Pache from Oakland Wednesday afternoon. Pache isn’t known for his bat, but his glove and speed will find a steady outlet. IronPig favorite Scott Kingery had a solid spring.

J.T. Realmuto continues to prove how he has been an invaluable presence behind the plate. Garrett Stubbs may be the team’s best kept secret, as he is one of the better backup catchers they have had in the past few years.

Along with Nola, Zach Wheeler and Taijuan Walker round out the top end of the staff, and Bailey Falter has been penciled in to round out the rotation. Matt Strahm will fill a gap to eat up some innings.

In the bullpen, closers Craig Kimbrel (Dodgers last year) and Gregory Soto (Tigers last season) will couple with Seranthony Dominquez and Jose Alvardo to form one of the more formidable units in the game.

The rest of the pen has Connor Brogdon, Yunior Marte, Andrew Vasquez and Andrew Bellatti. Marte and Vasquez both had impressive camps and could be surprises.

After their Texas trip, the Phils will head to the Bronx for a set with the AL East favorite Yankees in a series that should provide an early preview of the club’s mettle and character.

Winning the NL East may be a taller order without Hoskins for the duration and Harper for a likely extended period of time. Look for the Phils to work a trade, especially if Hall struggles.

Barring any further injuries, this team should be around the low 90-win mark and in contention for a Wild Card.

It will all hinge on how well Nola and Wheeler can hit their spots, and how well Turner and Castellanos can find their stride at the plate. There’s depth on the bench and in the bullpen.

So, should you put some money aside for some postseason trips down to the Bank? With this team – like last year – you never know.