Each year I compile my annual prospect rankings and count down the Phillies organization’s top 25 rising minor league players. In the coming weeks, I’ll be posting reviews for each of the top developmental talents that appear to have the brightest futures for the Phils organization.
Taken into consideration when compiling the list is age, minor league performance relative to levels played to date, value to the organization as well as the player’s future potential along with proximity to the big leagues.
These rankings will not include players over the age of 25 or individuals that have already spent lengthy stretches in the big leagues.
For example, pitchers such as Victor Arano and Yacksel Rios, who exceeded rookie qualification limits last season will not be considered for this year's rankings. Additionally, a hurler like Austin Davis that did not exceed rookie caps, but appeared in more than 30 big league contests will not be ranked here. Individuals that had short stints in the majors will retain their prospect status, for the purpose of these rankings.
Players that garnered consideration for this list but missed ranking among the top 25 names include a remarkable backstop as well as some talented hurlers, among others.
Catcher Rafael Marchan made an impact during his time with the short-season Class A Williamsport Crosscutters in 2018. In 51 games for the 'Cutters last year, the 19-year-old switch-hitter notched a .301 average with eight doubles, two triples and 12 RBI and was recognized as a New York-Penn League All-Star. The Venezuelan's skill set was said to look well-rounded as he impressed many at the Fall Instructional League last year.
Kyle Dohy took huge strides last season, earning two promotions in the process. The 22-year-old lefty was the Phillies' 16th round draft choice in 2017. Opening the 2018 campaign with Class A Lakewood, he helped that club lock down the first half division title by posting a 0.80 ERA and a 16.8 K/9 mark in 24 relief appearances there. After moving up to Class A Advanced Clearwater, the six-foot-two 188-pounder would notch a 1.64 ERA and a 14.7 K/9 mark in seven outings. He closed out the season on the Double-A Reading roster, where he would tally a 5.56 ERA and an 11.9 K/9 mark through 18 contests. Dohy may open this year back with Reading, in order to see if his Class A dominance can translate to the higher level.
Another reliever who narrowly missed making the Phils' top 25, for me, is righty reliever Edgar Garcia. The 22-year-old Dominican native was honored as a Double-A All-Star with Reading last year, notching a 7-2 record with eight saves and a 3.32 ERA in 47 appearances. After earning a promotion to Triple-A Lehigh Valley, Garcia would record a 0-1 record with a 7.71 ERA in five games. Coaches like his fastball-slider combination and feel it could translate well to a big league bullpen in the future with some more minor league seasoning.
Lefty pitcher Kyle Young is a talented hurler that will garner attention on similar lists this year. The 21-year-old is listed at six-feet-10, 205 pounds and is known to his teammates as "Stretch". The Phillies' 22nd round draft selection from 2016 missed time due to injury and made just nine regular season starts for the Class A BlueClaws last year along with four rehab outings at lower levels. Overall he sported a 3-3 record with a 2.73 ERA and a .222 batting average against. Young features excellent control with a low 90's fastball and some quality secondary offerings that keep opponents guessing.
Center fielder Simon Muzziotti spent time last season with Class A Lakewood and looked like a very promising prospect. The 20-year-old Venezuelan missed two months after suffering a broken finger after being hit by a pitch in April. In 68 contests with the BlueClaws, Muzziotti tallied a .263 average with 12 doubles, two triples, a home run, 20 RBI and 18 stolen bases. Speed and defense are strengths for this lefty batting youngster, who is bound to climb future versions of this list.
One additional pitcher that many fans may not have heard of yet, but could make big moves toward becoming a considerable prospect is Rafi Gonell. The 21-year-old right-hander made his professional debut last year as a member of the Rookie level Gulf Coast League Phillies West team. In 10 games (eight starts) the promising Dominican tallied a 5-1 record with a 4.65 ERA. Gonell struck out 41 and walked 20 in 40 2/3 innings there. He should continue to work on his outstanding offerings at the Class A level this year.
Check back here on PhoulBallz.com often, as the new season approaches, for the unveiling of this year’s top 25 ranked prospects within the Phillies organization.
Taken into consideration when compiling the list is age, minor league performance relative to levels played to date, value to the organization as well as the player’s future potential along with proximity to the big leagues.
These rankings will not include players over the age of 25 or individuals that have already spent lengthy stretches in the big leagues.
For example, pitchers such as Victor Arano and Yacksel Rios, who exceeded rookie qualification limits last season will not be considered for this year's rankings. Additionally, a hurler like Austin Davis that did not exceed rookie caps, but appeared in more than 30 big league contests will not be ranked here. Individuals that had short stints in the majors will retain their prospect status, for the purpose of these rankings.
Players that garnered consideration for this list but missed ranking among the top 25 names include a remarkable backstop as well as some talented hurlers, among others.
Catcher Rafael Marchan made an impact during his time with the short-season Class A Williamsport Crosscutters in 2018. In 51 games for the 'Cutters last year, the 19-year-old switch-hitter notched a .301 average with eight doubles, two triples and 12 RBI and was recognized as a New York-Penn League All-Star. The Venezuelan's skill set was said to look well-rounded as he impressed many at the Fall Instructional League last year.
Kyle Dohy took huge strides last season, earning two promotions in the process. The 22-year-old lefty was the Phillies' 16th round draft choice in 2017. Opening the 2018 campaign with Class A Lakewood, he helped that club lock down the first half division title by posting a 0.80 ERA and a 16.8 K/9 mark in 24 relief appearances there. After moving up to Class A Advanced Clearwater, the six-foot-two 188-pounder would notch a 1.64 ERA and a 14.7 K/9 mark in seven outings. He closed out the season on the Double-A Reading roster, where he would tally a 5.56 ERA and an 11.9 K/9 mark through 18 contests. Dohy may open this year back with Reading, in order to see if his Class A dominance can translate to the higher level.
 |
| Edgar Garcia, image- Jay Floyd |
Lefty pitcher Kyle Young is a talented hurler that will garner attention on similar lists this year. The 21-year-old is listed at six-feet-10, 205 pounds and is known to his teammates as "Stretch". The Phillies' 22nd round draft selection from 2016 missed time due to injury and made just nine regular season starts for the Class A BlueClaws last year along with four rehab outings at lower levels. Overall he sported a 3-3 record with a 2.73 ERA and a .222 batting average against. Young features excellent control with a low 90's fastball and some quality secondary offerings that keep opponents guessing.
Center fielder Simon Muzziotti spent time last season with Class A Lakewood and looked like a very promising prospect. The 20-year-old Venezuelan missed two months after suffering a broken finger after being hit by a pitch in April. In 68 contests with the BlueClaws, Muzziotti tallied a .263 average with 12 doubles, two triples, a home run, 20 RBI and 18 stolen bases. Speed and defense are strengths for this lefty batting youngster, who is bound to climb future versions of this list.
One additional pitcher that many fans may not have heard of yet, but could make big moves toward becoming a considerable prospect is Rafi Gonell. The 21-year-old right-hander made his professional debut last year as a member of the Rookie level Gulf Coast League Phillies West team. In 10 games (eight starts) the promising Dominican tallied a 5-1 record with a 4.65 ERA. Gonell struck out 41 and walked 20 in 40 2/3 innings there. He should continue to work on his outstanding offerings at the Class A level this year.
Check back here on PhoulBallz.com often, as the new season approaches, for the unveiling of this year’s top 25 ranked prospects within the Phillies organization.
Comments