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2020 Phillies Prospects Countdown: #9 RHP Connor Seabold

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Connor Seabold, image- Jay Floyd
Selected by the Phillies in the third round of the 2017 draft, right-hander Connor Seabold made an immediate impact upon debuting as a pro and has continued to impress as he has moved upward in the developmental ranks at a swift pace.

In his college career at Cal State Fullerton, the California native tallied a 23-15 record with a save, three complete games, a 2.96 ERA and a 9.5 K/9 mark in 56 appearances (42 starts) overall.

After signing with the Phillies, Seabold posted a 2-0 record with a 0.90 ERA and a .143 batting average against while striking out 13 batters and walking two in 10 innings of work as a reliever for the short-season Class A Williamsport Crosscutters.

He followed that up in 2018 by skipping the full season Class A level completely.  Seabold took quite a jump, opening the season with Class A Advanced Clearwater. In 12 games there as a starter, he notched a 4-4 record with a 3.77 ERA, a .213 batting average against as well as an 8.5 K/9 mark.

The six-foot-three 190-pounder earned a promotion to Double-A Reading in late June. With the Fightin Phils, Seabold would post a 1-4 record with a 4.91 ERA, a .241 BAA and a 9.8 K/9 mark in 11 starts.



In 2019, Seabold was set to be Reading's opening day starter, but was sidelined with an oblique strain late in spring training.  He began making rehab appearances in the Gulf Coast League in June and followed those up with two outings for Clearwater before returning to Reading for seven regular season starts and their postseason run.

Overall, in 12 regular season games Seabold notched a 4-2 record with a 2.24 ERA, a .224 batting average against along with a 9.3 K/9 mark.


To make up for some of the lost time last year, the Phils sent Seabold to the prestigious Arizona Fall League, where he dominated.  In four starts, Seabold posted a 1-0 record with a 1.06 ERA.  He struck out 22 batters while walking three in 17 total innings. 

Command is a big positive for Seabold, who features fastball velocity that generally resides in the low 90's, a very good change up and a serviceable curveball.  He can throw all three offerings for strikes and his walk rate is not a concern for the young hurler.  Said to have a great feel for pitching, Seabold mixes his offerings well and keeps the opposition guessing.

The ceiling for Seabold is a member of a big league starting rotation, which would be a valuable addition for an inconsistent club like the Phillies.  Look for the 24-year-old to open the 2020 season at Triple-A Lehigh Valley.


You can keep tabs on this year's top 25 Phillies prospect countdown by clicking this link.

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