Philadelphia Phillies Top 50 Prospects for 2019
The Phillies minor league organization lost some of its luster this past year with promotions, trades and struggles by some of last year’s prospects, but there are still some talented players here, led by Sixto Sanchez and recent 1st round pick, Alec Bohm. There are a lot of good pitchers in the system, some of whom have great potential to contribute at the major league level. The recent draft gave a nice infusion of offense in Bohm and Matt Vierling, but former first round picks Mickey Moniak and Cornelius Randolph are running out of time to show they can be impact players. On the flip side, Adam Haseley is improving and some International signings are quickly moving up the rankings. All in all, there is some help on the way in the next few years. If you’re so inclined, here are the links to my last two Phillies Top 50s if you want to compare rankings or need to look up a specific player:
2018 Midseason Top 50 (July 2018)
2018 Preseason Top 50 (January 2018)
Prospects1500 Tiers:
Tier 1: Players with high expectations of both making the majors and playing at an All-Star level for a number of years.
Tier 2: Players with an above average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor
Tier 3: Players with an average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor
Tier 4: Players who have the potential of making the majors, or have high likelihood of making the majors but providing minimal impact (e.g. middle reliever, low-ceiling UT guys)
Tier 5: Players who are worth keeping an eye on, but likely to never make a team’s 40-man roster
Tier 1:
1. Sixto Sanchez, RHP
Age: 20, DOB: 07/29/1998
Highest Level in 2018: Clearwater A+
Last Year’s Rank: 1
Stats: 46 2/3 IP, 2.51 ERA, 45 K, 1.07 WHIP
Ended the year on the disabled list and missed the Arizona Fall League due to the injury. He has the potential to be an Ace or SP3 in the near future. ETA: 2020
Tier 2:
2. Alec Bohm, 3B
Age: 22, DOB: 08/03/1996
Highest Level in 2018: Williamsport A-
Last Year’s Rank: 2
Stats: 139 AB, .252/.335/.324, 0 HR, 17 R, 17 RBI, 3 SB (2 levels – Rookie League and A)
Philadelphia’s 1st round selection last June out of Wichita State. An advanced hitter with power potential and a good batting eye. Finished the year on the DL but looks to be healthy for Spring Training. ETA: 2020
3. Adonis Medina, RHP
Age: 22, DOB: 12/18/1996
Highest Level in 2018: Clearwater A+
Last Year’s Rank: 4
Stats: 111 1/3 IP, 4.12 ERA, 123 K, 1.25 WHIP
The numbers don’t show how solid his year was. He gave up 3 or less earned runs in 16 of his 22 starts and had a 9.04 K/9 over the year. ETA: 2020
Tier 3:
4. Adam Haseley, OF
Age: 22, DOB: 04/12/1996
Highest Level in 2018: Reading A++
Last Year’s Rank: 6
Stats: 466 AB, .305/.361/.433, 11 HR, 77 R, 55 RBI, 7 SB (2 levels – A & AA)
Solid tools across the board. Can hit, run and hit with some power. Nothing in particular stands out as a particular strength but he could develop into a solid producing outfielder. ETA: 2020
5. Ranger Suarez, LHP
Age: 23, DOB: 08/26/1995
Highest Level in 2018: Philadelphia Phillies MLB
Last Year’s Rank: 8
Stats: 124 1/3 IP, 2.75 ERA, 85 K, 1.18 WHIP (2 levels – AA & AAA) 15 IP, 5.40 ERA, 11 K, 1.80 WHIP for Philadelphia Phillies
Had a great year with Reading and Lehigh Valley and was promoted to the majors for a handful of appearances late in the season. He more than held his own and could challenge for a rotation spot in Spring Training. Potential SP3 if he continues to develop. ETA: Already debuted
6. Jhailyn Ortiz, OF
Age: 20, DOB: 11/18/1998
Highest Level in 2018: Lakewood A
Last Year’s Rank: 3
Stats: 405 AB, .225/.297/.375, 13 HR, 51 R, 47 RBI, 2 SB
Had a slow start to 2018 after a strong 2017. Questions about his defense may make him trade-bait to an AL team. A lot of power and is still maturing. Progression isn’t linear so let’s see if he can make the proper adjustments for 2019. ETA: 2021
7. Francisco Morales, RHP
Age: 19, DOB: 10/27/1999
Highest Level in 2018: Williamsport A-
Last Year’s Rank: 9
Stats: 56 1/3 IP, 5.27 ERA, 68 K, 1.54 WHIP
Struggled a bit with his control but the strikeouts were there. The tall right-hander routinely sits in the mid 90’s with his fastball and projects to be an SP3 in the majors with potential for more. He’s still very young so it could be a few years before we see him called up. ETA: 2022
8. Enyel De Los Santos, RHP
Age: 24, DOB: 12/25/1995
Highest Level in 2018: Philadelphia Phillies MLB
Last Year’s Rank: 10
Stats: 126 2/3 IP, 2.63 ERA, 110 K, 1.16 WHIP for AAA. 19 IP, 4.74 ERA, 15 K, 1.42 WHIP for Philadelphia Phillies.
Appeared in two games with the big-league team last season and didn’t look too bad after a solid year in Triple-A. Can potentially open 2019 in the rotation or be the first pitcher to replace in case of an injury. ETA: Already debuted
9. Luis Garcia, SS
Age: 18, DOB: 10/01/2000
Highest Level in 2018: Gulf Coast Rookie
Last Year’s Rank: 23
Stats: 168 AB, .369/.433/.488, 1 HR, 33 R, 32 RBI, 21 SB
Great defender with good speed and a solid hit-tool, as seen in thoee numbers. Great eye at the plate and could develop into a leadoff hitter with good pop. He can be their top prospect in our next rankings. ETA: 2022
10. JoJo Romero, LHP
Age: 22, DOB: 09/09/1996
Highest Level in 2018: Reading AA
Last Year’s Rank: 14
Stats: 106 2/3 IP, 3.80 ERA, 100 K, 1.29 WHIP
Another pitcher who can potentially help the big league squad this year if he can control his pitches a little more. Ended the year with an oblique injury but could see a cup of coffee in the majors this year. ETA: 2019
11. Spencer Howard, RHP
Age: 22, DOB: 07/28/1996
Highest Level in 2018: Lakewood A
Last Year’s Rank: 17
Stats: 112 IP, 3.78 ERA, 147 K, 1.26 WHIP
Quickly climbing up the rankings after his year in 2018, topped off by a no-hitter which sent his team to the South Atlantic League Finals. He needs to work on his command a little more but the potential is there for a solid starting career. ETA: 2020
12. Matt Vierling, OF
Age: 22, DOB: 09/16/1996
Highest Level in 2018: Lakewood A
Last Year’s Rank: 36
Stats: 234 AB, .321/.365/.496, 7 HR, 32 R, 31 RBI, 7 SB (2 levels – A- & A)
2018 5th round pick out of Notre Dame. Over two levels of Single-A ball, he had a slash line of .374/.412/.516. Projects to a 20/20 hitter and could move fast through the ranks. I’m pretty high on this kid and am looking to scoop him up in all First Year Player Drafts. ETA: 2020
Tier 4:
13. Cole Irvin, LHP
Age: 24, DOB: 01/31/1994
Highest Level in 2018: Lehigh Valley AAA
Last Year’s Rank: 13
Stats: 161 1/3 IP, 2.57 ERA, 131 K, 1.054 WHIP
Strikeout ratio went up in 2018 and he showed well in Triple-A. Has a good shot at helping at the major league level this year. ETA: 2019
14. Kyle Young, LHP
Age: 21, DOB: 12/02/1997
Highest Level in 2018: Lakewood A
Last Year’s Rank: 32
Stats: 59 1/3 IP, 2.73 ERA, 50 K, 0.96 WHIP (3 levels – Rookie, A- & A)
The 6’10” lefty had a great year for Single-A averaging almost a strikeout an inning. For a big man his fastball is only in the low 90’s range but he could add velocity as he matures. He’s one to keep an eye on. ETA: 2020
15. Jose Pujols, OF
Age: 23, DOB: 09/29/1995
Highest Level in 2018: Reading AA
Last Year’s Rank: 15
Stats: 441 AB, .295/.365/.503, 22 HR, 67 R, 76 RBI, 3 SB (2 levels – A+ & AA)
Showed great power and batting eye last year. The strikeouts are still a problem with him but it will be interesting to see if he can continue to make adjustments this year. ETA: 2020
16. Arquimedes Gamboa, SS
Age: 21, DOB: 09/23/1997
Highest Level in 2018: Clearwater A+
Last Year’s Rank: 11
Stats: 497 AB, .214/.304/.279, 2 HR, 49 R, 37 RBI, 6 SB
The overall numbers weren’t impressive and he regressed stat-wise from 2017. His defense will likely carry him to the majors with an average hit-tool across the board. ETA: 2021
17. Darick Hall, 1B
Age: 23, DOB: 07/25/1995
Highest Level in 2018: Reading AA
Last Year’s Rank: 18
Stats: 468 ABS, .244/.323/.462, 26 HR, 68 R, 87 RBI, 2 SB (2 levels – A+ & AA)
Continued his power surge in 2018 but still had problems with off-speed pitching. If he continues to mash, the team will find a way to get him to the majors. ETA: 2020
18. Kevin Gowdy, RHP
Age: 21, DOB: 11/16/1997
Highest Level in 2018: DNP – Injury
Last Year’s Rank: 20
Stats: N/A
Hasn’t pitched since 2016 due to injuries but has great potential which he will show in Spring Training this year, where he should be finally healthy. Grab him now in dynasty leagues before it’s too late. ETA: 2021
19. Bailey Falter, LHP
Age: 21, DOB: 04/24/1997
Highest Level in 2018: Clearwater A+
Last Year’s Rank: 22
Stats: 101 2/3 IP, 2.74 ERA, 96 Ks, 1.09 WHIP
Solid season for Clearwater. Has sharp command and gets strikeouts without overpowering stuff. ETA: 2020
20. Connor Seabold, RHP
Age: 23, DOB: 01/24/1996
Highest Level in 2018: Reading AA
Last Year’s Rank: 24
Stats: 130 1/3 IP, 4.28 ERA, 132 K, 1.11 WHIP (2 levels – A+ & AA)
Struggled a little bit since his promotion to Double-A but small sample size applies. Had 18 strikeouts in his 19 innings pitched for Reading. ETA: 2020
21. Austin Listi, OF
Age: 25, DOB: 11/05/1993
Highest Level in 2018: Reading AA
Last Year’s Rank: 27
Stats: 426 AB, .312/.412/.502, 18 HR, 63 R, 84 RBI, 0 SB (2 levels – A+ & AA)
Has showed some good power and a solid approach at the plate over two levels. He’s a little old for a prospect but he could still get a shot in the majors this year, even as crowded as the outfield situation is. ETA: 2019
22. Deivi Grullon, C
Age: 22, DOB: 02/17/1996
Highest Level in 2018: Reading AA
Last Year’s Rank: 29
Stats: 326 AB, .273/.310/.515, 21 HR, 36 R, 59 RBI, 0 SB
Eastern League Home Run Derby Champion showed more power in 2018. Could see a taste of the majors later this year. ETA: 2019
23. Jake Scheiner, 3B
Age: 23, DOB: 08/13/1995
Highest Level in 2018: Lakewood A
Last Year’s Rank: 33
Stats: 453 AB, .296/.372/.470 13 HR, 65 R, 67 RBI, 10 SB
Showed a lot more power this past year with an improved OBP. Could continue to develop into a possible starting infielder in the future or, more than likely, a bench role depending on how 2019 goes. ETA: 2021
24. J.D. Hammer, RHP
Age: 24, DOB: 07/12/1994
Highest Level in 2018: Clearwater A+
Last Year’s Rank: 34
Stats: 13 2/3 IP, 2.63 ERA, 17 K, 1.09 WHIP (2 levels – Rookie and A+)
Only threw 13 innings in 2018 due to injury but looked great when he returned in mid-August. Between his name and strikeouts, he could be a fan-favorite closer in the majors if he continues the success he’s been having. ETA: 2020
25. Colton Eastman, RHP
Age: 22 DOB: 08/02/1996
Highest Level in 2018: Williamsport A-
Last Year’s Rank: Unranked
Stats: 18 IP, 3.00 ERA, 23 K, 1.39 WHIP
Recent college-draftee was limited to only 18 innings in 2018 after his college workload. Comes from the same college as other farmhands Tom Eshelman and Connor Seabold. Not overly-powering but has a mature approach on the mound. ETA: 2022
26. Mickey Moniak, OF
Age: 20, DOB: 05/13/1998
Highest Level in 2018: Clearwater A+
Last Year’s Rank: 26
Stats: 433 AB, .270/.304/.383, 5 HR, 50 R, 55 RBI, 6 SB
The former 1st rounder picked it up in the 2nd half last year making improvements in his numbers but still showed less than impressive final numbers. He is still young and could turn it around with more at-bats. Let’s give him one more year before we give up on him. ETA: 2020
27. Ramon Rosso, RHP
Age: 22, DOB: 06/09/1996
Highest Level in 2018: Clearwater A+
Last Year’s Rank: 44
Stats: 123 1/3 IP, 2.04 ERA, 139 K, 1.086 WHIP (2 levels – A & A+)
Opening some eyes this year with solid strikeout totals. Slightly older for the level but had a great season. ETA: 2021
28. Drew Anderson, RHP
Age: 24 DOB: 03/22/1994
Highest Level in 2018: Philadelphia Phillies MLB
Last Year’s Rank: 45
Stats: 104 2/3 IP, 3.87 ERA, 84 K, 1.15 WHIP. 12 2/3 IP, 4.97 ERA, 11 K, 1.50 WHIP for Philadelphia Phillies
Got called up to the majors after a solid season in the minors. Could be a long-man for the big-league squad. ETA: Already debuted
29. Jake Holmes, SS
Age: 20, DOB: 07/02/1998
Highest Level in 2018: Williamsport A-
Last Year’s Rank: 47
Stats: 219 AB, .306/.365/.411, 4 HR, 29 R, 38 RBI, 7 SB
Good on-base skills and some power. ETA: 2021
30. Rafael Marchan, C
Age: 19, DOB: 02/25/1999
Highest Level in 2018: Williamsport A-
Last Year’s Rank: Unranked
Stats: 196 AB, .301/.343/.362, 0 HR, 28 R, 12 RBI, 5 SB
A good defensive catcher with a rocket arm. Good contact skills at the plate and could project into some power. In his short professional career, has only struck out 40 times in 451 AB with has some speed (9 SB in 51 games last year) ETA: 2022
31. David Parkinson, LHP
Age: 24, DOB: 12/14/1995
Highest Level in 2018: Clearwater A+
Last Year’s Rank: 48
Stats: 124 1/3 IP, 1.45 ERA, 141 K, 1.01 WHIP (2 levels – A & A+)
Second straight solid season for the left-hander topped off with winning the Organization’s Pitcher of the Year Award. ETA: 2020
32. Jose Gomez, IF
Age: 22, DOB: 12/10/1996
Highest Level in 2018: Clearwater A+
Last Year’s Rank: 28
Stats: 357 AB, .224/.259/.263, 1 HR, 33 R, 24 RBI, 7 SB
Struggled in 2018 after posting better numbers in 2017. His lack of speed or power could limit his chances in the majors. ETA: 2021
33. Dylan Cozens, OF
Age: 24, DOB: 05/31/1994
Highest Level in 2018: Philadelphia Phillies MLB
Last Year’s Rank: 19
Stats: 297 AB, .246/.345/.529, 21 HR, 49 R, 58 RBI, 9 SB for AAA. 38 AB, .158/.273/.289, 1 HR, 2 R, 2 RBI, 0 SB for Philadelphia Phillies
Strikeouts continued to plague him as he whiffed 24 times in 38 major league at-bats and 124 times in 297 at-bats at Lehigh Valley. His home run total also decreased from 40 to 27 to 21 over the last 3 minor league seasons. Running out of time to show he can be a contributor in the majors. ETA: Already debuted
34. Jan Hernandez, OF
Age: 24, DOB: 01/03/1995
Highest Level in 2018: Reading AA
Last Year’s Rank: 31
Stats: 350 AB, .263/.326/.431, 14 HR, 59 R, 53 RBI, 7 SB
Eastern League All-Star had a better year than in 2017 but his strikeouts are a concern. A poor-man’s Dylan Cozens. ETA: 2020
35. Abrahan Gutierrez, C
Age: 19, DOB: 10/31/1999
Highest Level in 2018: Gulf Coast Rookie
Last Year’s Rank: 37
Stats: 162 AB, .315/.362/.407, 1 HR, 24 R, 30 RBI, 2 SB
Solid defender working on his hit tool. He’s young and catchers usually take time to develop so we may not see him in The Show for a few years. Showed a good hit-tool and batting eye last year. ETA: 2022
36. Kyle Dohy, RHP
Age: 22 DOB: 09/17/1996
Highest Level in 2018: Reading AA
Last Year’s Rank: Unranked
Stats: 67 1/3 IP, 2.54 ERA, 111 K, 1.12 WHIP (3 levels – A, A+ & AA)
It’s hard not to look at those strikeouts and be impressed, however he needs to cut down on his walks to have an impact. ETA: 2020
37. Trevor Bettencourt, LHP
Age: 24, DOB: 07/21/1994
Highest Level in 2018: Reading AA
Last Year’s Rank: 49
Stats: 37 2/3 IP, 2.15 ERA, 43 K, 1.09 WHIP (3 levels – Rookie, A+ & AA)
Did well in his first year at Double-A, striking out over a batter an inning after a solid year closing for Single-A teams last year. ETA: 2019
38. Logan Simmons, SS
Age: 18 DOB: 04/11/2000
Highest Level in 2018: Gulf Coast Rookie
Last Year’s Rank: Unranked
Stats: 95 AB, .232/.345/.400, 3 HR, 21 R, 11 RBI, 2 SB
A power-hitting high-schooler drafted in the 6th round last year. Good all-around skills but issues with strikeouts. Someone to keep an eye on as he develops. ETA: 2023
Tier 5:
39. Daniel Brito, 2B
Age: 21 DOB: 01/23/1998
Highest Level in 2018: Clearwater A+
Last Year’s Rank: 50
Stats: 292 AB, .250/.313/.339, 3 HR, 28 R, 27 RBI, 15 SB (2 levels – A & A+)
Struggled for the second straight year for Lakewood. Has some potential to help in a utility capacity if it comes together for him. ETA: 2020
40. Cornelius Randolph, OF
Age: 21, DOB: 06/02/1997
Highest Level in 2018: Reading AA
Last Year’s Rank: 25
Stats: 410 AB, .241/.324/.322, 5 HR, 52 R, 40 RBI, 3 SB
1st round pick in 2015 struggled with power and also his overall hitting last year. Even though he can get on base, his minimal power is holding him back from a starting role. ETA: 2020
41. Mauricio Llovera, RHP
Age: 22 DOB: 04/17/1996
Highest Level in 2018: Clearwater A+
Last Year’s Rank: Unranked
Stats: 121 IP, 3.72 ERA, 137 K, 1.11 WHIP
Flamethrower had a successful year for Clearwater, profiling as a possible closer in the future. ETA: 2021
42. Victor Santos, RHP
Age: 18 DOB: 07/12/2000
Highest Level in 2018: Gulf Coast Rookie
Last Year’s Rank: Unranked
Stats: 59 1/3 IP, 3.03 ERA, 65 K, 1.13 WHIP
The young right-hander had a successful year with his strikeouts and control. ETA: 2022
43. Cole Stobbe, 3B
Age: 21, DOB: 08/30/1997
Highest Level in 2018: Lakewood A
Last Year’s Rank: 42
Stats: 43 AB, .209/.261/.349, 1 HR, 5 R, 7 RBI, 0 SB
Not showing much success in the minors after being selected in the third round in 2016. ETA: 2021
44. Simon Muzziotti, OF
Age: 19 DOB: 12/27/1998
Highest Level in 2018: Lakewood A
Last Year’s Rank: Unranked
Stats: 300 AB, .250/.289/.313, 1 HR, 35 R, 22 RBI, 19 SB (2 levels – Rookie & A)
The young outfielder has a solid hit tool across the board but needs to develop more power if he is to make an impact at the upper levels. Has potential to grow. ETA: 2022
45. Dominic Pipkin, RHP
Age: 19 DOB: 11/05/1998
Highest Level in 2018: Gulf Coast Rookie
Last Year’s Rank: Unranked
Stats: 29 2/3 IP, 3.64 ERA, 18 K, 1.18 WHIP
High schooler drafted in the 9th round has a long way to go but did rather well in his first taste of professional ball last year. ETA: 2022
46. Alejandro Requena, RHP
Age: 22 DOB: 11/29/1996
Highest Level in 2018: Clearwater A+
Last Year’s Rank: Unranked
Stats: 59 1/3 IP, 3.03 ERA, 65 K, 1.16 WHIP (2 levels – Rookie and A+)
Was injured for most of the year but had some success across two levels. Could help the team out of the bullpen by next year. ETA: 2020
47. Luke Leftwich, RHP
Age: 24 DOB: 06/09/1994
Highest Level in 2018: Reading AA
Last Year’s Rank: Unranked
Stats: 62 2/3 IP, 3.73 ERA, 72 K, 1.27 WHIP
Had another solid season out of the bullpen after transitioning from starting after the 2016 season. ETA: 2019
48. Jhordany Mezquita, LHP
Age: 20 DOB: 01/30/1998
Highest Level in 2018: Williamsport A-
Last Year’s Rank: Unranked
Stats: 35 IP, 3.60 ERA, 41 K, 1.29 WHIP
Future reliever with a mid-90’s fastball. ETA: 2021
49. Julian Garcia, RHP
Age: 23 DOB: 05/13/1995
Highest Level in 2018: Lakewood A
Last Year’s Rank: Unranked
Stats: 78 IP, 2.54 ERA, 94 K, 1.14 WHIP
Very solid year in Single-A with strikeouts but struggles with command. ETA: 2022
50. Jonathan Guzman, SS
Age: 19, DOB: 08/17/1999
Highest Level in 2018:
Last Year’s Rank: 46
Stats: 243 AB, .210/.241/.272, 2 HR, 19 R, 15 RBI, 5 SB
A good defensive shortstop and, at only 19-years-old, has room to grow and develop his hit tool. Very young for the level but has potential to increase hit skills over the next few years. ETA: 2022
Tony Bps Spina is a lifelong baseball fan hailing from the City of Brotherly Love - Philadelphia! Tony has loved baseball since 1980 and has followed the Phillies through good and bad times. Tony is married with 3 kids and works for a financial institution but has enough free time to play in 20 fantasy baseball leagues with 75% of them being Dynasty Leagues. He lives a few blocks away from Citizens Bank Park and attends many Phillies games per year in addition to their minor league teams in Lehigh Valley and Reading. He can be reached on Twitter at @TonyBps1.
Great list Sensei BPS!
Think you can do a indepth preview of the prospects that were invited to Spring Training for your next article?
Thank you for reading and the comments! I had a lot of fun putting this together! I will definitely do that article for next month. I’m looking forward to this Spring Training after seeing the invite-list the other day! Haseley, Moniak, Irvin, Listi, Romero, and others.
Jd hammer fan favorite for his name ha. 😂