Five more picks off the board as we continue on a pace of about 24 seconds per pick. The Phillies did get a little bit exciting for a couple of picks.
Round 21: Jakob Hernandez, LHP, University of Texas Arlington
Hernandez is a big lefty (6’4″ 275lbs) who led all junior college pitchers in strikeouts in 2016 with 159 in 89 innings. This year at UT Arlington he was a little less dominant with 89 strikeouts in 79.2 inning.
Round 22: Brian Mims, 2B, UNC Wilmington
Mims, a junior, had a power surge after his freshman year, and while that tailed off he still hit 8 home runs in 2017. Mims does strikeout a lot, but middle infielders with power are interesting.
Round 23: Shane Drohan, LHP, Cardinal Newman HS
Drohan is the Phillies first unsignable player. Drohan has even already said he won’t sign and that he will go to FSU. However, the Phillies could still try and make a run at him with what money they have left over. He has a projectable frame with a fastball that is just touching 90. What makes him interesting is a curveball that looks like a future plus pitch and a changeup that already shows above average potential. I doubt the Phillies sign him, but they have given themselves the oppurtunity.
Round 24: Kevin Markham, OF, University of Texas San Antonio
Markham is a 5th year senior who missed the 2016 season. He looks to be a good hitter (.338/.411/.553), but doesn’t have power or speed.
Round 25: Jesus Azuaje, SS, Glendale CC
Azuaje hit .333 this year with no home runs and 32 stolen bases. Sounds like he should be able to stay at shortstop.