Welp, Philly finally got their Super Bowl didn’t they? Now they get their Hoskins, Titles, Cheesesteaks, roast porks, and more Hoskins!?! I’m moving to Philly y’all. I’ll even listen to Meek Mill if it means I get to watch Rhys Hoskins and the rest of the young up and coming Phillies core everyday. That’s serious too, I’m not listening to Meek Mill ever. Come on now dude, Drake bodied you. Whack commercial rap battles aside, there’s still a ton of talent in the Phillies system. The organization has done a good job identifying talent both domestically, as well as internationally. Though a rough early return from their 2016 draft class, has the ominous feeling it might have been an opportunity squandered. Fortunately, this potential disaster coincided with the emergence of Sixto Sanchez, Adonis Garcia, and the ascension to the majors of a talented trio of position players in Rhys Hoskins, Nick Williams, and J.P. Crawford. The latter of which qualifies for this list for the 20th time. It’s another action packed system coming up, it’s the Philadelphia Phillies Top Prospects for 2018.
1. Scott Kingery, 2B | Age: 23 | Level: AAA | 2017 Stats: .304/.359/.503, 26 HR, 65 RBI, 29 SB
There might not be an easier number one in any system outside Ronald Acuna. “Scottie Jetpacks” has been ascending up prospect lists like he’s got rockets on his Nike Airs. The former Arizona Wildcat is a prototype second basemen, with speed, contact, a solid glove, and above average power to boot. He’s been one of, if not THE, prospect standout of the Spring thus far, hitting .381 with 3 homers, 4 steals, and a 1.292 OPS. Sure it’s Spring Training, but it’s a good sign for a player that many considered on the roster bubble entering the season. He’s not on the 40 man, but I wouldn’t sweat that too much, the biggest hurdle is the combination of Cesar Hernandez and J.P. Crawford in the middle infield. Fortunately, Kingery has versatility, having logged time at third base last season, and centerfield this spring. That’s a bonus for Kingery’s chances of getting 400+ plate appearances this year with the Phils, which could place him squarely in the race for NL ROY. There’s no split issues, he hits for power versus lefthanders, and is equally effective in his same side splits. One of my favorite prospects in the minors, and is creeping toward a nice jump in my forthcoming Top 100. ETA: 2018
2. Sixto Sanchez, RHP | Age: 19 | Level: A+ | 2017 Stats: 5-7, 95 IP, 3.03 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, 84 K, 18 Bb
There’s easy velocity, and then there’s Sixto Sanchez’s fastball. The 19 year old Phillies pitching prodigy is one of the top arms in the minors, with a reasonable case for the top arm overall. Though radar gun readings get the headlines, it’s Sanchez’s feel and command of his heat that sets him apart. He shows the ability to spot the fastball without losing any of it’s bite or life. While mixing in a plus changeup, a plus curveball, and an average slider. His secondaries though advanced for a teenage arm, still have room for improvement, hinting at a ceiling few prospects, pitcher or hitter can approach. The righthander struggled upon promotion to Clearwater of the Florida State League, but he was young for the level. So, I’m willing to look past the late struggles. Future superstar upside. ETA: 2020
3. J.P. Crawford, SS | Age: 23 | Level: AAA | 2017 Stats: .243/.351/.403, 15 HR, 63 RBI, 5 SB
Is J.P. Crawford the most divisive prospect in the minor leagues? The expectations that come with high “real life baseball” rankings typically fuel unobtainable fantasy expectations. That’s the case with Crawford, he’s a nice real life player with his plus defense, advanced plate approach, and ability to do a lot of things pretty well. This however has led to backlash, where some have gone to extremes, painting him as completely useless player for fantasy. While I don’t see his ownership reaching 80% in 12 team 5×5 leagues in the next two years, he has value in deeper leagues, and those that use OBP in lieu of batting average. His hit tool grades are centered around that patient approach driving his career .367 OBP in 533 minor league games. He found his power stroke after a 7 day sabbatical last June, returning to slash .280/.381/.522 for the remainder of the term, while hitting 13 of his 15 homers over that period. There’s an outside shot everything clicks this year, and we get a .270/16/12 season with decent counting stats. Much of that is dependent upon his adjustments to the level, and his ability to works his way to the top of an improving Phillies lineup. Crawford should be the Phillies everyday shortstop for a decade. ETA: 2018
4. Jhailyn Ortiz, OF | Age: 19 | Level: A | 2017 Stats: .302/.401/.560, 8 HR, 30 RBI, 5 SB
One of my favorite power bats in the lower minors, I gave you my Ortiz sleeper post. He’s more woke than Donald Glover on Bolivian marching powder. ETA: 2020
5. Jorge Alfaro, C | Age: 24 | Level: AAA | 2017 Stats: .241/.291/.358, 7 HR, 43 RBI, 1 SB
Is it a love/hate relationship if you dislike a player, but can see his value in re-draft and dynasty leagues leading up to his first shot at a full time MLB gig? Call it prospect fatigue if you want, but I’ve never been a huge fan of Jorge Alfaro. Particularly, when compared to some of my esteemed colleagues in the industry. First the good, Alfaro has plus plus raw power, good athleticism, and the catching ability to lock down an everyday MLB gig. He provided phenomenal production in his MLB debut hitting .318/.360/.514 with 5 homers in 107 at bats. The early word out of camp is Gabe Kapler prefers Alfaro as the primary catcher. Leading many to forsee the potential for a top 10 catcher season in redraft if the power plays. Now for the bad, he swings and misses a ton, lacks much strike zone awareness, or pitch recognition ability, he won’t hit for average, and has never put up a truly impressive power season in the minors. Alfaro is mixed league relevant in 2018, and has a ton of upside if he can cleanup his at bats, and wait for his pitch, but I’m not confident that happens. Smells more like Zunino than a Sanchez. ETA: 2018
6. Adonis Medina, RHP | Age: 21 | Level: A | 2017 Stats: 4-9, 120 IP, 3.01 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 133 Ks, 39 Bb
A rapidly improving righthander with a mid-rotation future, Medina made major strides in 2017, adding velocity to his fastball, while significantly improving his secondaries. The results were a sizable jump in Ks as he went from a paltry 4.7 K/9 in 2016, to a robust 10 K/9 across 120 innings in the Low A Sally League. Medina’s arsenal is led by his mid-90s fastball he can ramp up to 97, a plus changeup, and an above average breaking ball in his slide piece. Medina should move swiftly over the next few seasons due to his ability to do everything well. ETA: 2020
7. Adam Haseley, OF | Age: 21 | Level: A | 2017 Stats: .284/.357/.405, 3 HR, 28 RBI, 6 SB
A top two-way talent at UVA, Haseley hit .390/.491/.659 with 14 homers and 10 steals in 223 at bats, while going 7-1 with a 3.58 ERA, and a 1.16 WHIP in 11 starts for the Cavaliers. The Phillies took Haseley with the 8th overall pick and signed him for $5.1 million. His two way days are behind him, as Haseley will play exclusively outfield going forward. While he doesn’t have one standout tool per se, he does have above average hitting, on base ability, power, speed, and glovework. While Haseley might end up a player more along the lines of Adam Eaton, there is some 20/20 upside lurking in the profile. Reports following Haseley’s pro debut all discuss how gassed the outfielder looked during the summer, but it’s understandable, when you consider the demands of his two way duties at Virginia. A short quick swing, Haseley should do a good job getting around on pitches to the inside. He utilizes a sizable leg kick, but his smooth, athletic movements allow it all to come together beautifully. I really like Haseley’s swing. If he hits the ground running this year, and the reports of last season’s fatigue, prove to be just that, we might see Haseley in Philly come Summer 2019. ETA: 2019
8. Roman Quinn, SS/OF | Age: 24 | Level: AAA | 2017 Stats: .274/.344/.389, 2 HR, 13 RBI, 10 SB
If only Roman Quinn could stay healthy. All blurb’s about Quinn must start this way, the talent is evident, with 80 grade speed, contact, some power, and the ability to get on base. The problem is in five full minor league seasons he’s never exceeded 100 games. He was drafted in 2011 as an outfielder, but the Phillies decided to test him out at shortstop before abandoning the project entirely in 2015, only to revive it again this spring. He’s already gotten some reps in MLB games at the position, and could slot into the Phillies plans of using a four man bench. So his potential versatility as a switch-hitter, with off the charts speed, and the ability to play both the outfield and the infield could prove to be quite valuable for first year manager Gabe Kapler. Quinn appears an impactful fantasy asset, if only he could stay healthy…:) ETA: 2018
9. Mickey Moniak, OF | Age: 19 | Level: A | 2017 Stats: .236/.284/.341, 5 HR, 44 RBI, 11 SB
It’s been an awful year for Mickey Moniak, and his overzealous owners in dynasty. The 2016 numero uno pick, has been extremely underwhelming so far in pro-ball. An inconsistent first half, gave way to an awful second half, which led to a once highly rated young prospect plummeting down rankings, and even hitting the wavier wire in a few leagues. Not a lot has changed in terms of the profile, a good hit tool, speed, possible power development, and the ability to play centerfield. Moniak will get an opportunity to rebound in 2018, and he wouldn’t be the first prospect to underwhelm in his full season debut, only to return stronger in his follow up campaign. I’m willing to take a wait and see approach with Moniak, and could see buying if the acquisition cost is low enough. Not someone I’d chase however. ETA: 2021
10. Jojo Romero, LHP | Age: 21 | Level: A+ | 2017 Stats: 10-3, 129 IP, 2.16 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 128 Ks, 36 Bb
Do good changeups grow on trees in Philadelphia? Where are the Phillies finding all these kids with great feel for the offspeed stuff? I’m not sure what they’re teaching these kids, but the other 29 teams need to employee Patriot like spy tactics to find out. Romero, an athletic, projectable lefty, with a four pitch arsenal, and advanced feel for his off-speed pitch, is one of the more under appreciated talents in the system. An Arizona JuCO product, Romero’s fastball velocity jumped to 91-94 this season, after sitting more low 90’s as an amateur. His curveball flashes plus, but mostly grades as above average, and pairs nicely with his slider as the better of the two breaking balls. Romero is a strike thrower, with consistent command of his arsenal, due to his plus athleticism, and repeatable mechanics. Much like Medina, Romero possesses great composure, and understanding of all the little things, like holding runners, and fielding his position. Not likely a star, but a good mid-rotation guy with the potential to eat innings. ETA: 2020
11. Franklyn Kilome, RHP | Age: 22 | Level: AA | 2017 Stats: 7-7, 127 IP, 2.83 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 103 Ks, 52 Bb
An exciting, but frustrating talent, Kilome possesses prototypical size, stuff, and nice extension. Unfortunately like many pitchers his size, he’s 6’6, 220 BTW, his mechanics are wonky, and inconsistent. He does match a power four-seamer that touches 99, with a curveball that flashes plus, but his command is inconsistent. His changeup, and slider are both fringe, but he’s added a two-seam fastball, that’s been effective in driving weak contact, though it’s dipped into his strikeout rate quite a bit. His long levers have a lot of trouble coming together, but also give him downhill plane, and bite to his pitches. Size giveth, and taketh. If Kilome can streamline his control enough to consistently throw strikes, and hit his spots, he has the ability to take a significant leap. For now he’s a power pitcher that doesn’t miss many bats, with questionable command. ETA: 2020
12. Francisco Morales, RHP | Age: 18 | Level: RK | 2017 Stats: 3-2, 41.1 IP, 3.05 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 44 Ks, 20 Bb
You know how I did a sleeper post on Jhailyn Ortiz? Yeah, I covered Francisco Morales too. It’s a two-fer, and I’m not wearing pants. ETA: 2021
13. Simon Muzziotti, OF | Age: 19 | Level: RK | 2017 Stats: .270/.304/.383, 0 HR, 14 RBI, 9 SB
Originally signed by the Red Sox out of Venezuela, but was removed from the organization following their “package signing” scandal. He signed with the Phillies after being declared a free agent, and made his debut for the Phillies this summer featuring in 35 games, mostly for the team’s GCL squad. He’s a contact machine, built to spray line drives all over the field, putting pressure on defenders with his plus wheels. He’s a very strong defender with a high probability of sticking in center. His power is non-existent, but he could grow into 8-12 homer pop, and develop into an Ender Inciarte type player. ETA: 2021
The Next Five: Enyel De Los Santos, RHP, Luis Garcia, SS, Ranger Suarez, LHP, Arquimedes Gamboa, SS, Daniel Brito, 2B, Seranthony Dominguez, RHP, Spencer Howard, RHP, Jonathan Guzman, SS
Find all of the 30 Minor League Previews, and Offseason Rankings on the Minor League Index
On Twitter as @ProspectJesus
