2022 Phillies Top Prospects Countdown #22 1B/OF Jordan Viars

A third round draft selection by the Phillies in 2021, high schooler Jordan Viars has drawn much attention as a promising prospect. '

Equipped with raw power and said to have a very high offensive ceiling, the Texas native was reported be multiple organizations' favorite high school batter heading into last year's draft.

Opening his professional career in the Florida Complex League in 2021 after he was the 84th overall draft pick, Viars batted .255 with three home runs, 18 RBI and a pair of stolen bases. He also walked a bunch (17.2% walk rate), which was very impressive.

Defensively, Viars split his time in the minors between left field and first base. With a strong arm, he could find himself getting time in right field as he advances, but first base could be a more likely option for where he lands long term.

Viars has one of those "projectable" frames that baseball types love. At six-feet-four, 215 pounds, the 18-year-old has wide shoulders, long arms with loads of time to add muscle and strength.

Speed may not be a boast-worthy aspect of Viars' game, but he shouldn't be a detriment to his team on the bases either.

Committed to play college ball for Arkansas, the Phillies threw an above slot signing bonus of $747,500 at Viars to entice the young slugger to opt for the minors over the land of higher learning.

It may not be farfetched to see Viars on a full-season club this year. Class A is on the horizon for this budding talent.

Please visit Patreon.com/PhoulBallz in order to support my work and get access to exclusive content as well as material like this before anyone else.

Also, you can keep tabs on this year's countdown by clicking this link.

Comments

Jersey Shore clinches playoff berth on final day of regular season

Ottto Kemp, image- Jay Floyd With an extra-inning victory over first-half division champions Hudson Valley on Sunday, the Class A Advanced Jersey Shore BlueClaws clinched the team's first playoff appearance since 2018, winning the second-half division title. Key performers in the BlueClaws' clincher were righty hurler Jason Ruffcorn, who threw three innings of relief to earn the victory and third baseman Otto Kemp, notched three hits, a walk, two stolen bases and plated the game winning run in the 11th inning on a sacrifice fly. On top of that, Kemp, who turned 24-years-old on Saturday, made an absolute game-saving defensive play to help the club hold their lead in the bottom of the 11th frame. One of Jersey Shore's most consistent performers all season long has been right-handed reliever Cam Wynne. The Phillies' 20th round draft pick in 2021 out of Nebraska. In 34 appearances, one start, the 24-year-old tallied a 1-1 record with one save, a 2.44 ERA and a .190 batti

PhoulBallz Interview: BlueClaws OF Justin Crawford

Justin Crawford w/ junior reporter Evan At the age of 19, outfielder Justin Crawford has played his way into the conversation of being considered as one of baseball's top prospects. The son of four-time MLB All-Star Carl Crawford, Justin has looked every bit as impressive as his position as the 17th overall draft selection last year would have most fans thinking he should be. He opened the season with Class A Clearwater where, in 69 games, he notched a .344/.399/.478 slash line. And since mid-August when he was promoted to Class A Advanced Jersey Shore, the younger Crawford has posted a .300/.364/.440 line. He's also stolen 44 bases in 52 attempts overall. And while the BlueClaws enter the final week of the regular season 1/2 game out of first place in their division, I spoke with Justin Crawford about the team's hopes of making the postseason for the first time since 2018. I also asked Justin about the similarities and differences between his skillset and his father'

RHP Pipkin headed to AFL after hot August

After completing what was easily the best month of his career, righty hurler Dominic Pipkin is ready to face the tough competition of the prominent Arizona Fall Leage. Pipkin, who was the Phillies' 9th round draft selection in 2018, has had moderate success in his five years as a pro, posting a 4.93 ERA, a 7.6 K/9 mark and a .260 batting average against mostly at the lower levels on the minors. After missing time this year with an unspecified ailment, the six-foot-four 170-pounder proved to be healthy as he dominated AA competition in nine appearances with the Reading Fightin Phils during August. Pipkin's impressive production resulted in a 1-0 record with a save and a 0.96 ERA while striking out eight and walking three in 9 1/3 innings. The California native says his efforts to improve have helped him touch 100 MPH on the radar gun, while his fastball velocity is mostly around 96 MPH. Pipkin's arsenal includes that improved fastball as well as a slider while his curve

PhoulBallz.com

Search This Blog