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| Adam Haseley, image- Jay Floyd |
Selected with the 8th overall pick, Haseley signed for a reported $5.1 million. A two-way player in college, Haseley was a very reliable pitcher and was an offensive standout at Virginia.
Upon making his pro debut, the lefty batting Haseley went 7-for-12 in three games with the Rookie level Gulf Coast League Phillies.
He was swiftly promoted to short-season Class A Williamsport. With the Crosscutters, Haseley posted a .270 batting average with nine doubles, two home runs and 18 RBI in 37 games.
Another promotion was in order and Haseley wrapped up the regular season with the full season Class A Lakewood BlueClaws. In 18 games, he would tally a .258 average with three doubles, a triple, a home run and six RBI.
Following the regular season, the six-foot-one 195-pounder participated in the Florida Instructional League, learning from Phillies coaches and organization mates that he had not gotten exposure with until that point. He also attended mini-camps that the Phils put on for strength and speed development in Clearwater over that off-season.
While there, Haseley met former Phils hurler Roy Halladay the week of his death. Halladay gave the talented youngster multiple books and offered lessons from his own playing days to to help with Haseley's mental approach toward being an athlete.
Last year, Haseley batted .300 with five homers and 38 RBI in 79 games for Class A Advanced Clearwater. In July, he was promoted to Double-A Reading. As a member of the Fightin Phils, the Florida native batted .316 with six home runs and 17 RBI in 36 games. He was exceptional against righty hurlers in the Eastern League, posting a .351/.427/.574 slash line when facing them. He'll want to improve his offensive production against lefties, where he sported a mediocre .238/.347/.262 slash line.
Haseley asserted to me last season that working closely with Phillies roving hitting coordinator Andy Tracy and Threshers hitting coach John Mizerock, in order to iron out some mechanical or approach issues, was beneficial to the offensive strides he took during his 2018 campaign
Coaches like Haseley's ability to hit to all fields. He features excellent bat speed and doesn't strike out a lot. Additionally, he can work the count and draw walks, as he has notched a .360 OBP in the minors.
Haseley, who turns 23 in April, has drawn comparisons to Jacoby Elsbury at times. Haseley also was a fan of Elsbury game while watching baseball throughout his youth.
On the bases, Haseley may be an above average runner, though he likely won't steal many bags, as he has swiped just 13 bases in 22 attempts as a pro to date.
Defensively, Haseley has played mostly center field, but he played all three outfield positions last year. He shows very good range and has a strong arm to keep runners from taking too many liberties. Haseley projects as an everyday centerfielder in the majors.
Loaded with potential, Haseley may find himself opening the 2019 back with Double-A Reading this year.
Be sure to track this year's complete Phillies top 25 prospects countdown by clicking this link.
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