2018 Phillies Prospects Countdown: #6 OF Jhailyn Ortiz

Jhailyn Ortiz, image- MiLB.com

The Phillies signed outfielder Jhailyn Ortiz at the age of 16 for a reported $4 million. Teams don't make that sort of investment or shell out the largest signing bonus for an international player in organization history without a boat load of high hopes. It seems the talented youngster is well on his way to living up to those expectations.

The powerful Dominican Republic native made his regular season pro debut as a member of the Rookie level Gulf Coast League Phillies in 2016. In 47 games there, Ortiz batted .231 with eight home runs, 27 RBI and eight stolen bases.

In 2017 Ortiz was with the short-season Class A Williamsport Crosscutters. He sported a .302 batting average with 15 doubles, a triple, eight homers and 30 RBI in 47 contests. Having turned 19 years old in November, he was among the youngest players in the New York-Penn League last year. His .961 OPS would have been good enough to lead the league if he has notched enough plate appearances to qualify.

Ortiz, a righty batter, features boast-worthy power with plus potential. He can knock the ball out of any park he plays in and has the ability to hit to all fields. He took strides toward becoming a more complete hitter, as was evidenced by the 71-point jump in his average from the previous campaign. He makes excellent contact, barrelling up the ball in all areas of the strike zone.

Last season, working on plate discipline was key for Ortiz, as the Phils want to see him reduce his strike outs. At roughly a 26% strike out rate in the minors, he has a lot of work ahead to improve in that aspect.

On top of all the offensive praise, he also is a quality defender with a strong arm. He has played strictly right field in the minors to date.

As a base runner, Ortiz likely will not be a regular stolen base threat, but he is quick-footed enough that he won't be a detriment to his club.

Listed at six-feet-three and 215 pounds, Ortiz is a strapping young man and could add even more strength as he progresses in the professional ranks.

Coaches think Ortiz is a special talent with a very bright future. He'll likely be in the middle of the lineup for the Class A Lakewood BlueClaws for much of this coming season.

You can keep track of this year's Phillies prospect countdown at this link.

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