2017 Phillies Prospects Countdown: #6 RHP Franklyn Kilome

Franklyn Kilome, image- Jay Floyd

One of the most promising young pitching prospects in the Phillies organization is right-hander Franklyn Kilome. Armed with outstanding velocity and a remarkable repertoire, the talented youngster will soon be among the collection of the team's rising hurlers pushing their way toward the big leagues.

Signed by the Phillies as an international free agent in January, 2013, Kilome would make his professional debut the following year.

With the rookie level Gulf Coast League Phillies, as an 18-year-old, Kilome would notch a 3-1 record with a 3.12 ERA and a .235 batting average against. He struck out 25 and walked 11 in 40 1/3 innings.

The Dominican Republic native opened 2015 in extended spring training, then joined the short-season Class A Williamsport team. He helped the Crosscutters storm into the postseason with a 3-2 record with a 3.28 ERA and a .230 BAA. He struck out 36 and walked 21 in 49 1/3 innings.

Last year, Kilome would pitch in a full-season league for the first time and opened the season with Class A Lakewood, struggling out of the gate.  In his first three starts, as a 20-year-old, he posted a 0-3 record along with a 15.83 ERA and a .435 batting average against.  The cold early-spring weather was said to be a factor, but Kilome worked hard to iron things out.  For the remainder of the regular season, he sported a 5-5 record, a 2.74 ERA and a 10.5 K/9 mark over 20 starts and helped the BlueClaws reach the South Atlantic League championship series.

His arsenal features a dominant upper-90's fastball that can get up to 100 MPH. The 21-year-old also touts a solid curve ball that coaches saw noteworthy improvement with last year and a solid change up that continues to fool opponents.  Outside of his initial three starts of 2016, Kilome's command has typically been one of his strengths.

This off-season, Kilome spent plenty of time at the organization's new Dominican facility with a goal of adding muscle to his projectable and slim six-foot-six 175-pound frame.

According to Phillies director of player development Joe Jordan, the organization may not have a pitcher with bigger upside if all things go right for Kilome.

For now, it looks like Kilome's path will continue as a starter, but with his exceptions velocity, he could possibly flourish as a reliever if the club ever wishes to change his role. 

It is likely that he will open the 2017 campaign with Class A Advanced Clearwater in the Florida State League. 

You can follow along with this year’s Phillies prospects countdown by clicking this link.