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Philadelphia Phillies Top 50 Prospects for 2018

The Phillies have one of the deepest farm systems in baseball. After graduating Rhys Hoskins and Nick Williams last year, they have a few others slated to start this year for the big-league team in Jorge Alfaro and J.P. Crawford. The system is deep in power pitching throughout all levels with some intriguing position players also. The rebuilding has showed some results and I look forward to watching these players grow and develop to lead the Phillies back into relevancy!

Prospects1500 Tiers:

Tier 1: Players with high expectations of both making the majors and playing at an All-Star level for a number of years

Tier 2: Players with an above average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor

Tier 3: Players with an average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor

Tier 4: Players who have the potential of making the majors, or have high likelihood of making the majors but providing minimal impact (e.g. middle reliever, low-ceiling UT guys)

Tier 5: Players who are worth keeping an eye on, but likely to never make a team’s 40-man roster







1. Scott Kingery, 2B

Age: 23

Highest Level in 2017: Triple-A

Kingery went deep 26 times in 2017 showing power in addition to his speed and hitting. He wasn’t on the 40 man roster preventing him from seeing the majors last year but an early 2018 promotion is expected. A 5-tool player like him at 2B is a great asset.

2. Sixto Sanchez, RHP

Age: 19

Highest Level in 2017: A+

Sanchez is only 19 but he has put up some impressive numbers in his short time in the organization highlighted by his 84 strikeouts in 95 innings with only 18 walks in 2017. Throws a high-90’s fastball effortlessly and has been compared to Johnny Cueto.



Tier 2

3. J.P. Crawford, SS

Age: 23

Highest Level in 2017: MLB

Crawford struggled during the 1st half of 2017 but turned it on in the 2nd half. He showed a good eye during his short time in the Majors. With Freddy Galvis now gone, the Phillies are ready to hand the SS job over to him. Expect some growing pains at first but he could still develop into fine hitter.

4. Franklyn Kilome, RHP

Age: 22

Highest Level in 2017: Double-A

Kilome performed very well in 2017 with an overall 2.83 ERA and 103 K in 127 IP. He has greatly improved his control and throws in the mid 90’s. He can be a future 2 starter within a couple of years if he keeps up this pace.

5. Jorge Alfaro, C

Age: 24

Highest Level in 2017: MLB

Alfaro was promoted to the majors in 2017 and more than held his own. He should enter this year with the starting job all to himself. He showed power in the minors and is expected to provide mid 20’s home runs if he can stay healthy.

6. Ranger Suarez, LHP

Age: 22

Highest Level in 2017: A+

Averaged more than a strikeout an inning with a 1.06 WHIP in 122 innings for two A level leagues in 2017. Is quickly moving up the rankings and has potential to be a solid 2 or 3 starter. Jump in before more people hear about him.

7. Jhailyn Ortiz, OF

Age: 19

Highest Level in 2017: A-

Presently has a 60-grade on the power scale which some scouts think can develop into a 70. Hit over .300 with an OBP over .400 in 2017 with 8 home runs in 159 at-bats in 47 games at Short Season Williamsport. Slugged .550 and had an OPS of .961. He has the tools to develop into a middle-of-the-order hitter.

8. Adam Haseley, OF

Age: 21

Highest Level in 2017: A

2017 1st rounder more than held his own during his first taste of professional baseball with a .288 average and .362 OBP. Does not possess an elite individual tool but is average to above-average in each facet of his game and can develop into a mid-teens home run hitter.



Tier 3

9. Kevin Gowdy, RHP

Age: 20

Highest Level in 2017: DNP, Injured (Rookie League in 2016)

A lost year for Gowdy, as he needed Tommy John surgery. In 2016 in the Gulf Coast League, he threw 9 innings striking out 9. Fastball can get in the mid-90’s and projects to be a serviceable 2 or 3 starter with a mid 90’s fastball. Expected back by mid-season this year.

10. Roman Quinn, OF

Age: 24

Highest Level in 2017: Triple-A

Injuries continued to halt his development – he didn’t play after May 28th due to UCL tear in his left elbow. Quinn has a history of injuries but has proven to be an OBP and stolen base threat when healthy. If he can stay healthy and put it all together, he will be a valuable leadoff hitter in the future.

11. Nick Fanti, LHP

Age: 21

Highest Level in 2017: A

Threw 2 no-hitters in 2017 and struck out a batter an inning with a tidy 0.96 WHIP. Someone to keep an eye on as he progresses. Dynasty league participants should try to pick him up now.

12. Seranthony Dominguez, RHP

Age: 23

Highest Level in 2017: A+

Mid-90’s fastball with a plus curve, Dominguez struck out 82 batters in 66.2 innings. Another potentially solid starter in a few years. Seranthony (great name!) is quickly moving up the charts.

13. Francisco Morales, RHP

Age: 18

Highest Level in 2017: Rookie

Signed as an International Free Agent in 2016, was ranked as Venezuela’s top pitching prospect. Still very young and years away but struck out over a batter an inning in 2017.

14. Adonis Medina, RHP

Age: 21

Highest Level in 2017: A

Another power pitcher in the system, he loves to strike out batters – 126 in 113.2 innings pitched in 2017 in Single-A. Expected to move up to Double-A in 2018.

15. Jose Taveras, RHP

Age: 24

Highest Level in 2017: Triple-A

Taveras had a great year for High-A Clearwater in 2017, giving up 2 runs or less in 8 of his 9 starts and 1 run or less in 6 of those. He didn’t miss a beat in Double-A or Triple-A either, averaging a 1.04 WHIP across all three levels with almost a strikeout an inning. Keep your eye on this one.

16. Thomas Eshelman, RHP

Age: 23

Highest Level in 2017: Triple-A

A scout compared him to Greg Maddux in the past due to his solid control, walking only 18 batters in 150 innings for a 0.97 WHIP. Potential 3 starter in the majors.

17. Darick Hall, 1B

Age: 22

Highest Level in 2017: A+

Hall crushed 29 home runs in 448 at-bats with an OBP of .335 and an OPS of .868. A college-hitter, he is polished for his age. I’m excited about watching him develop.

18. Mickey Moniak, OF

Age: 19

Highest Level in 2017: A

Very disappointing 2 years for Moniak in his minor league career. In 632 minor league at-bats, he’s slashing .250/.301/.359 with 6 home runs and 21 steals. It’s way too early to give up on the former Number 1 pick but he needs to show us more in 2018.

19. Dylan Cozens, OF

Age: 23

Highest Level in 2017: Triple-A

All of his numbers declined last year from 2016. The power is there but his inability to control the strike zone makes it difficult to foresee a regular starting job soon. He is young enough to make the adjustments but it’s not going to be easy.

20. Enyel De Los Santos, RHP

Age: 23

Highest Level in 2017: Double-A

Acquired from the Padres for Freddy Galvis, he can strike out batters and can be a very effective middle reliever or a possible 3 starter if he can improve his control.

21. Cornelius Randolph, OF

Age: 20

Highest Level in 2017: A+

Very young for the level and was known for his hit-tool when drafted. Randolph has the ability to get on base and make contact. His speed and power (or lack thereof) could make it difficult for him to remain in the outfield. Was originally drafted as a shortstop, where his numbers would play better.

22. Jose Gomez, IF

Age: 21

Highest Level in 2017: A+

Gomez was obtained from the Rockies in the Pat Neshek deal. Showed that he can get on base at a .357 clip last year and stole 18 bases in 105 games.

23. Spencer Howard, RHP

Age: 21

Highest Level in 2017: A-

Drafted as a reliever in the 2nd round in 2017, he worked as a starter last year in 9 games at Short Season Williamsport. Has a mid-90’s fastball and has 3 other good pitches. Struck out 40 in 28.1 IP, with a 12.7 K/9 but a not-so-good 5.7 BB/9.







24. Yacksel Rios, RHP

Age: 24

Highest Level in 2017: MLB

Rios was promoted to the majors after a solid year striking out 10.2 hitters per 9 IP with a 0.82 WHIP. Throws in the high 90’s and has a spectacular slider.

25. Elniery Garcia, LHP

Age: 23

Highest Level in 2017: Double-A

Only threw 30.2 innings due to a suspension. One of only a few LHP prospects in the organization so he has a longer leash.

26. JoJo Romero, LHP

Age: 21

Highest Level in 2017: A+

Romero’s 95 mph-fastball helped him strike out over a batter an inning with a 1.11 WHIP across 123 innings for 2 A-level teams last year.

27. Victor Arano, RHP

Age: 22

Highest Level in 2017: MLB

Fastball in the mid 90’s with control concerns, is a power pitcher who can help the back-end of the bullpen.

28. J.D. Hammer, RHP

Age: 23

Highest Level in 2017: A+

Reliever came over from Colorado in the Pat Neshek deal. Throws consistently between 94-97 mph and can help the future bullpen. Was nominated for Prospects1500 Minor League Pitcher of the Year. He had 85 Ks in 57.1 IP (13.3 K/9), with a 1.87 ERA and 0.88 WHIP between Ashville, Clearwater and Lancaster.

29. Luis Garcia, SS

Age: 17

Highest Level in 2017: DNP

International Signing from the July period, Garcia has the potential to be a Gold Glove winner in the future in addition to a speedy leadoff hitter.

30. Cole Stobbe, 3B

Age: 20

Highest Level in 2017: A-

Showed his solid tool set in Short Season A ball, hitting 8 home runs in 197 at-bats. A 3rd round pick in 2016, he was called a poor man’s Trevor Story when drafted.

31. Cole Irvin, LHP

Age: 23

Highest Level in 2017: Double-A

Has been improving since Tommy John surgery in 2014. Over two stops last year had a 1.18 WHIP with 118 strikeouts in 151.1 innings pitched.

32. McKenzie Mills, LHP

Age: 22

Highest Level in 2017: A+

Acquired from the Nationals for Howie Kendrick, Mills struck out over a batter an inning last year (134 in 120.1 IP) in the minors with only 22 walks.

33. Abraham Gutierrez, C

Age: 18

Highest Level in 2017: Rookie

Signed after Atlanta had to release him for infractions. Glove is ahead of the bat right now. Has time to develop into a Major League catcher.

34. Deivi Grullon, C

Age: 21

Highest Level in 2017: Double-A

Strong arm behind the plate will keep him there. Showed a little pop with 12 home runs last year but has always had trouble making contact or getting on-base. Still young and has time to grow.









35. Brandon Leibrandt, LHP

Age: 25

Highest Level in 2017: Triple-A

Has had some injuries in the past and limited his walks in the low minors. Has become more hittable as he progressed to Double and Triple-A last year. Let’s see what he can do with a full, healthy year at Triple A this year.

36. Daniel Brito, 2B

Age: 19

Highest Level in 2017: A

Brito regressed in 2017. Showed good plate discipline in previous years but his OBP decreased to .296 last year.

37. Mitch Walding, 3B

Age: 25

Highest Level in 2017: Double-A

Could be another product of Reading’s home park with 23 home runs in 340 at bats last year. Posted the highest SLG of his career (.506) at Reading and is a good defender at the hot corner. May be a utility-type in the future.

38. Zack Coppola, OF

Age: 23

Highest Level in 2017: Double-A

39 steals, .363 OBP, 1 home run. Power won’t be his calling card but with his speed he could lead off someday for the team if he continues this trend.

39. Ricardo Pinto, RHP

Age: 23

Highest Level in 2017: MLB

Pinto was the Phillies Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2015. He had a lackluster 2016 and the mediocrity continued into 2017. Was promoted to the majors in 2017 and held his own. Struck out a batter in inning but also walked 4.5 batters per 9 IP. If he can harness his control, he can continue to work his way up the bullpen hierarchy.

40. Alejandro Requena, RHP

Age: 21

Highest Level in 2017: A

Also acquired from the Rockies in the Pat Neshek trade, Requena had a good year with a 2.74 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP. Only 25 walks out of the 506 batters he faced last year, striking out 104.

41. Luke Leftwich, RHP

Age: 23

Highest Level in 2017: A+

A 7th round pick in the 2015 draft, Leftwich is a 3rd generation ballplayer. He has four pitches with a fastball that can reach up to the mid-90’s. Had an 11 K/9 rate last year with a 1.13 WHIP after being turned into a reliever.

42. Jose Pujols, OF

Age: 22

Highest Level in 2017: A+

Pujols’s numbers took a big dip from 2016. He went from 24 home runs to 8 and his OBP went from .306 to .247. More worrisome, in 323 at-bats he struck out 150 times.

43. Harold Arauz, RHP

Age: 22)

Highest Level in 2017: Double-A

Promoted quickly from A to High-A to Double-A last year, the right-hander struck out 8.7 batters per 9 IP with a very solid WHIP of 0.88.

44. Will Hibbs, LHP

Age: 23

Highest Level in 2017: A+

Had 20 saves last year (at Low-A Lakewood), striking out 79 in 67 innings pitched across 2 levels.

45. Trevor Bettencourt, LHP

Age: 23

Highest Level in 2017: A+

76 strikeouts in 57.2 IP for two Single-A teams led to Bettencourt being selected for the Arizona Fall League in 2017.

46. Jesmuel Valentin, 2B

Age: 23

Highest Level in 2017: Triple-A

Played in 29 games last year after dislocating his left shoulder. Impressed the team in Spring Training. May not help your fantasy team but could be utility player in the future.

47. Kyle Martin, 1B

Age: 25

Highest Level in 2017: Double-A

22 home runs in Reading with OBP of .290. Has a lot of trouble against LHP. Another could be utility player in the future.

48. Arquimedes Gamboa , SS

Age: 20

Highest Level in 2017: A

Signed in 2014 as an international free agent, the switch-hitting shortstop hit .255 with 6 home runs at Single A Lakewood last year.

49. Bailey Falter, LHP

Age: 20

Highest Level in 2017: A

105 strikeouts in 114 innings in 2017. A 5th round pick in the 2015 MLB Draft, Falter is working up his innings to help the big league team in the future.

50. Drew Anderson, RHP

Age: 23

Highest Level in 2017: MLB

Was promoted last year to the majors, throwing only 2.1 innings at the big league level. Spent most of 2017 at Double-A Reading.