2018 Phillies Prospects Countdown: #21 SS Jose Gomez

Jose Gomez, image- MiLB.com

Last season's trade of pitcher Pat Neshek to Colorado copped a nice return with two prospects nabbed from the Rockies landing inside the Phillies' top 25 heading into the 2018 season. The first of those two was reliever J.D. Hammer, who came in at number 24, and now infielder Jose Gomez makes the list at number 21.

Gomez, a native of Venezuela, was signed as an amateur free agent in 2013 at the age of 16. He would make his pro debut the following year. In two seasons in the Dominican Summer League he notched a .271 batting average with two homers and 46 RBI through 133 games.

In 2016, playing in the short-season Rookie level Pioneer League, Gomez made a big splash, leading the league in hits with 98 and tallying a .367/.426/468 slash line in 66 games for Grand Junction.

Opening the 2017 campaign with Class A Asheville, where he posted a .324 average with 20 doubles, two triples, four home runs and 33 RBI in 81 games prior to the trade.

After joining the Phillies organization, the five-foot-11 175-pounder batted .265 with two doubles and four RBI in 24 games, mostly with Class A Advanced Clearwater.

The righty hitting Gomez has primarily manned the shortstop position, but has mixed in plenty of playing time at third base as well as second base and even sprinkled in 13 appearances at first base during his minor league career thus far.

The 21-year-old is considered a contact hitter, maintaining a solid strike out rate and showing an ability to hit the ball to all fields.

On the base paths, Gomez has shown some speed which could continue to translate to more steady contributions. He's got 73 stolen bases in 117 attempts (62% success rate). Lower levels of the minors get by with a small number of coaches and usually have a spare player manning the first base coach's box. As Gomez rises through the minors, a true coach that keeps time on the pitchers' delivery and tendencies should help Gomez become more of a threat with his feet.

The Phillies would likely have Gomez open the 2018 season back in Clearwater. If his offensive efforts there match what he has done at other levels, it won't be long before he earns a shot at Double-A ball.

Keep track of this year's Phillies prospect countdown at this link.

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