This series will highlight a handful of prospects, team-by-team, heading into the 2021 season. I will offer a handful of Top Prospects, as well as a few “In The Pipeline” prospects for dynasty owners to keep an eye on in the next couple of seasons. With that, let’s jump right in!
Top Prospects
Spencer Howard, P
Fastball: 55/55 | Slider: 50/55 | Curveball: 55/55
Changeup: 60/60 | Command: 40/45
If Howard can continue to improve his command, the Phillies project him to be a top of the rotation starter. In 2019, at AA, Howard posted a 7.4% BB%, 2.35 ERA, and a 2.62 FIP. In 2020, at the MLB over a similar amount of IP, Howard posted an 8.8 BB%, 5.92 ERA, and a 5.86 FIP. Look for Howard to start 2021 at AAA and work on his command but don’t be surprised to see Howard get called up for spot starts should his command take form.
Francisco Morales, P
Fastball: 55/60 | Slider: 60/70 | Changeup: 35/45 | Command: 30/45
Morales has the makings of an inning eating rotation workhorse. He gets plenty of swing and miss but also has had issues with walks early in his career. As Morales improves his command, scouts feel his walk rate will subside, and as Morales gains more strength, his fastball velocity may tick-up over 100MPH – currently, it tops out at 98.
Bryson Stott, SS
Hit: 45/55 | Power: 30/50 | Speed: 55/50 | Arm: 50/55 | Field: 40/45
Stott is an above-average runner who should slow down as he matures. His arm and instincts play well at SS, but his size and speed project more for 2B/3B. Offensively, Stotts’ hit tool is his best tool allowing for tons of contact and the ability to drive the ball to the opposite field. In 2019, over 41 games in Low-A, Stott slashed .274/.370/.446 while posting a 12.1% BB% and a 21.4% K% with 5 home runs and 5 stolen bases. Look for Stott to open 2021 in AA and improve on his 2019 season numbers.
Mick Abel, P
Fastball: 55/60 |Curveball: 45/50 | Slider: 50/55
Changeup: 50/5 | Command: 50/55
Abel was the 15th overall selection in the 2020 MLB amateur draft. This 6’5″ right-hander is believed to have 3 plus pitches and a fastball that sits between 93-95MPH. He also has an effective slider which sits between 82-86MPH. As Abel physically matures, he’ll gain strength and throw harder, but, as with most 19-year-old prep school schools, he’ll have a long road ahead before knowing exactly what the Phillies will have. Look for Abel to open 2021 in low-A.
Adonis Medina, P
Fastball: 40/40 | Slider: 45/45 | Changeup: 55/60 | Command: 50/55
Adonis Medina tends to be a sinker ball first pitcher who looks for early contact over strikeouts. In 2019, Medina struggled at AA, pitching 105 innings and posting a 4.94 ERA with 6.98 K/9, 3.49 BB/9, and a 4.53 FIP. Medina is also entering his final MiLB option year of 2021 and may force the Phillies to make a hard decision about a pitcher who was once believed to be a mid-rotation starter. Pay close attention to the Medina in 2021, as he’ll likely open the season in AA and get promoted to AAA if his mechanics improve.
In The Pipeline
Yhoswar Garcia, OF
Hit: 30/55 | Power: 45/50 | Speed: 60/60 | Arm: 50/50 | Field: 45/55
Yhoswar Garcia is a 19-year-old Venezuelan prospect signed in the 2020 International period for $2.5M. Garcia profiles as a plus defender and profiles as an everyday CF. He’s said to play with passion and, offensively, has line-drive gap power. Scouts project his power to develop as he fills out his frame and matures.
Yemal Flores, OF
Yemal Flores is a 17-year-old Dominican prospect signed in January 2021 from the International period for $1.3M. Flores is a power-first bat with plus arm strength. He may be prone to swing-and-miss but is said to have the bat speed to barrel up the ball.
Rickardo Perez, C
Rickardo Perez is a 17-year-old Venezuelan prospect signed in January 2021 from the International period for $1.2M. Perez is a defensive first catcher with average tools offensively. His hit tool plays more than his power, for now, but scouts believe the power will come as he matures. Perez is viewed as a future MLB catcher with offensive upside.
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