Into the list we go. You can find all of the rankings and other material for this year here. A couple of small programming notes. The first is my definition for eligibility on the list was that the player is rookie eligible, the second is I did not rank any new international signees, and lastly Daniel Brito is still in the organization and given his situation I hope to rank him again when he is hopefully back on a baseball field, and I have nothing but enormous good wishes as he continues in his rehab (Matt Gelb has a feature on that today).
50. Freylin Minyety, UT
Age: 22
Acquired: Non-drafted Free Agent signing in 2021 by the Phillies
B/T: R/R
H/W: 5’10” 185lbs
2021 Stats:
| Team (LVL) | G | PA | HR | SB | BB% | K% | AVG | OBP | SLG |
| CLW (A-) | 28 | 104 | 3 | 3 | 13.5% | 22.1% | .286 | .423 | .405 |
Role: Utility Hitter
Risk: High – Minyety doesn’t have a position and does not have enough offensive output to be a positionless bench player. However, he hit the ball enough to make himself into an intriguing prospect.
Summary: Born in the Dominican Republic, Minyety played for 3 years in junior college before the Phillies signed him out of the Draft League. At the plate, he was immediately one of the Thresher’s leaders in hard contact. Minyety does not elevate the ball consistently and does not have the exit velocity peaks of some of his teammates. What he does do is consistently make hard line drive contact. He is currently listed at shortstop, but played second and third in pro ball. He was not great at either, and in Instructs he started to catch. If he can find a couple of positions he can stand (or crouch) at, he offers some interesting bench utility.
2022 Outlook: Given how he hit in Clearwater, Minyety should start at Jersey Shore, but if he is making a real run at catching he could end up held back in Extended Spring Training to work on his defense. His bat could move him quicker than his glove.
ETA: 2024
Previous Rank: N/A
49. Nicolas Torres, UT
Age: 22
Acquired: Signed as an International Free Agent in July 2016 by the Phillies
B/T: R/R
H/W: 5’10” 155lbs
2021 Stats:
| Team (LVL) | G | PA | HR | SB | BB% | K% | AVG | OBP | SLG |
| CLW (A-) | 69 | 262 | 4 | 10 | 13.4% | 26.3% | .239 | .341 | .345 |
| JS (A+) | 27 | 114 | 0 | 5 | 6.1% | 15.8% | .388 | .429 | .447 |
Role: Utility Player With Infield and Outfield Versatility
Risk: Medium – Torres is a utility player who can play up the middle positions, which gives him a lot of paths to the majors. He may not make enough quality contact to force many of those opportunities.
Summary: Torres is a former top international signee in 2016. He had a good first two years of pro ball before scuffling in Williamsport in 2019. His 2021 season got off to a slow start with a possibly ABS aided 2 walks to 21 strikeouts in the season’s first month. He proceeded to get better each month, hitting .295/.387/.388 with 40 walks to 66 strikeouts in 78 games after May. Torres has moderate power and is more of a line drive player. With little impact at the plate, Torres’s play in the field will need to drive him forward. Torres played every position but first and catcher in 2021, and while not ideal at shortstop, he can play there in a pinch. He doesn’t quite have the exact set of skills as Luke Williams, but they have similar ceilings.
2022 Outlook: Torres only played 27 games in high-A so a move to AA is not assured, and he probably will be right on the bubble between the two levels. He likely gets to Reading by at least the middle of the summer.
ETA: 2024
Previous Rank: UR
48. Ethan Lindow, LHP
Age: 23
Acquired: Drafted in the 5th Round of the 2017 Draft by the Phillies
B/T: R/L
H/W: 6’3” 180lbs
2021 Stats:
| Team (LVL) | G | GS | W-L | IP | ERA | H/9 | HR/9 | BB% | K% |
| JS (A+) | 12 | 10 | 3-6 | 67.1 | 3.21 | 8.7 | 1.5 | 4.1% | 22.2% |
| REA (AA) | 6 | 5 | 0-2 | 17.2 | 6.11 | 9.7 | 2.5 | 13.1% | 27.4% |
Role: #5 Starter
Risk: Medium – Lindow has a starter’s array of pitches, but even for a lefty his velocity is below average and without that increasing or a secondary pitch taking a large step forward, he is not a steady starter.
Summary: It isn’t just that they are 5th round prep lefties, but Lindow has a lot of characteristics reminiscent of Bailey Falter at this point in his career. Lindow throws a lot of strikes, but his fastball is still 88-92 and his secondary pitches are more solid than spectacular. It won’t take a large gain, but another 1-2 mph would go a long way for all of Lindow’s pitches. Right now, Lindow profiles as a depth back end starter who can give some bulk relief innings or a spot start if needed.
2022 Outlook: Lindow will get another crack at Reading to open the 2022 season. He likely will spend the full year there. The Phillies will be desperate for starting depth in 2023, so if Lindow can have a solid season he will position himself for a 40 man spot next offseason.
ETA: 2023
Previous Rank: 23
47. JoJo Romero, LHP
Age: 25
Acquired: Drafted in the 4th Round of the 2016 Draft by the Phillies
B/T: L/L
H/W: 5’11” 200lbs
2021 Stats:
| Team (LVL) | G | GS | W-L | IP | ERA | H/9 | HR/9 | BB% | K% |
| PHI (MLB) | 11 | 0 | 0-0 | 9.0 | 7.00 | 12.0 | 4.0 | 9.1% | 18.2% |
Role: Middle Reliever
Risk: High – Very boom or bust risk as Romero is coming back from Tommy John surgery. He has already shown success in the majors, so there is little development risk left.
Summary: Romero moved to the bullpen full time in 2020, to mixed success in the majors. The mentality suited him well, and his velocity ticked up with the adrenaline boost averaging over 95 on his fastball. He has been fastball heavy, but still uses a full three pitch mix, with his slider jumping over his changeup out of the bullpen. His control has been suspect at times, and given his injury, it is likely not going to improve until 2023. He injured his elbow in May and had Tommy John shortly afterwards. While it doesn’t feel like he is still a prospect based on his time in the majors, he is only entering his age 25 season.
2022 Outlook: Romero had Tommy John in May of 2021, and so the start of the year will see him rehabbing, with the hope he starts to get into minor league rehab by June or July. If he comes back strong he could be back in the majors in the last month or two of the season.
ETA: 2020
Previous Rank: 19
46. Ben Brown, RHP
Age: 22
Acquired: Drafted in the 33rd Round of the 2017 Draft by the Phillies
B/T: R/R
H/W: 6’6” 210lbs
2021 Stats:
| Team (LVL) | G | GS | W-L | IP | ERA | H/9 | HR/9 | BB% | K% |
| PHI (CPX) | 3 | 2 | 1-0 | 4.0 | 2.25 | 4.5 | 0.0 | 6.3% | 18.8% |
| JS (A+) | 4 | 2 | 0-0 | 12.0 | 7.50 | 9.0 | 1.5 | 13.0% | 25.9% |
Role: Backend Starter or Middle Reliever
Risk: High – Brown did not have a clean return from Tommy John surgery, but came back throwing harder in the complex late in the season. He has not really pitched on a starters schedule for a season since 2018.
Summary: Brown was starting to have a breakout season to open 2019, but 4 games in an arm injury led to Tommy John surgery. Brown started back in Jersey Shore, but another 4 games in arm problems sent him back to the complex until he made 3 appearances late in the season. Brown showed a bit more velocity, peaking at 96 in the complex. His sitting velocity was more 92-94 than 88-92, especially in the short complex outings. He still throws a slider, a curveball, and a changeup. Despite all of the setbacks, Brown is only 22 and has the big 6’6” frame that might have a bit more in it. Given the injuries and missed time, the Phillies could give him more time in a starter’s role and let him build back innings, or try and shorten him up and capitalize on the gains he did make in short bursts.
2022 Outlook: Based on missed time, Brown should return to Jersey Shore, but some of it will depend on whether he is a starter or a reliever. The biggest goal of 2022 will be pitching a full year healthy.
ETA: 2024
Previous Rank: 40
45. Billy Sullivan, RHP
Age: 23
Acquired: Non-drafted Free Agent signing in 2020 by the Phillies
B/T: R/R
H/W: 6’2” 195lbs
2021 Stats:
| Team (LVL) | G | GS | W-L | IP | ERA | H/9 | HR/9 | BB% | K% |
| JS (A+) | 5 | 0 | 0-0 | 5.2 | 1.59 | 1.6 | 1.6 | 15.0% | 40.0% |
| REA (AA) | 15 | 0 | 1-1 | 18.0 | 3.00 | 6.0 | 0.0 | 12.7% | 34.2% |
Role: 7th Inning Reliever
Risk: High – Sullivan had success in AA, but a year filled with injuries in his first year pitching after Tommy John raised some red flags. He will also need to tighten up his control to pitch in high leverage.
Summary: After not pitching in 2020 due to the pandemic and rehabbing from 2019 Tommy John surgery, the Phillies pushed Sullivan aggressively first to high-A and then to AA. In AA, he made two separate trips to the IL, and while some were likely cautious following his surgery, he only pitched in 6 games in the last 3 months of the season. On the mound, Sullivan’s velocity was a bit down from his peak, sitting 94-97, but he can reach up to 99. His slider is a tight vertical pitch in the low 80s. Sullivan can miss bats with both pitches, especially working the fastball up in the zone and the slider down. His control was an issue at both levels and was a problem in college at times as well. His control will ultimately be the separator as to whether he is pitching high leverage innings or is a AAAA up and down reliever. If he can take a step forward as he moves another year removed from surgery, he could move quickly towards a major league role.
2022 Outlook: Sullivan will likely return to AA to open the season, and if he can get off to a hot start he could move quickly to AAA and the majors, as the Phillies have both a need for high octane bullpen arms and a propensity to move those arms quickly if they show success.
ETA: 2023
Previous Rank: 44
44. Matt Russell, RHP
Age: 23
Acquired: Non-drafted Free Agent signing in 2021 by the Phillies
B/T: R/R
H/W: 6’2” 190lbs
2021 Stats:
| Team (LVL) | G | GS | W-L | IP | ERA | H/9 | HR/9 | BB% | K% |
| CLW (A-) | 9 | 1 | 2-2 | 17.2 | 3.06 | 8.7 | 0.5 | 5.2% | 28.6% |
Role: #4 Starter/Bulk Inning Reliever
Risk: High – Russell did not have the best numbers in college and mostly pitched out of the bullpen in the pros. He does however have a very interesting starter’s arsenal.
Summary: Russell was a nondescript signing by the Phillies. He doesn’t have a projectable frame, and was a 22 year old red shirt junior (he missed 2019 due to Tommy John). His college numbers at Missouri State did not stand out either, making him look like an org filler signing. His numbers for Clearwater were solid, ending on two very good appearances. What did stand out was his Savant pitch data. Russell features a high spin fastball with excellent vertical movement that sits low 90s and can touch up to 96. His slider is his best secondary pitch and projects as a plus pitch, but he also has a sinker, changeup, and curveball. He should get a chance to start or at least get bulk innings to open 2022, but the fastball-slider combination already looks like a decent bullpen fall back.
2022 Outlook: The combination of injuries, a high volume of low minors starting pitchers, and the Phillies use of piggy backs and 6 man rotations makes it hard to predict where Russell will start. The Phillies do let guys start in the low minors, so it does seem like Russell will at least get a crack at the rotation.
ETA: 2024
Previous Rank: N/A
43. Blake Brown, RHP
Age: 23
Acquired: Non-drafted Free Agent signing in 2020 by the Phillies
B/T: R/R
H/W: 6’1” 195lbs
2021 Stats:
| Team (LVL) | G | GS | W-L | IP | ERA | H/9 | HR/9 | BB% | K% |
| JS (A+) | 33 | 0 | 2-1 | 40.0 | 3.15 | 5.0 | 0.5 | 19.0% | 32.4% |
| REA (AA) | 1 | 0 | 0-0 | 1.0 | 0.00 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 40.0% | 20.0% |
Role: 6th/7th Inning Reliever
Risk: High – Brown has big velocity and ok offspeed pitches. If he can throw strikes, he could pitch in late innings. If he can’t throw strikes he will be a frustrating up and down reliever. He could see the full range of Luis Garcia’s career.
Summary: Brown was one of the hard throwing college arms the Phillies brought in as NDFAs after the draft in 2020. He had an up and down time in high-A, walking nearly every batter every other month and sometimes striking them all out. Brown’s best pitch is his fastball, which sits in the high 90s, reaching up to 99 with vertical break. He has a slider and curveball, both of which are average, but give him different looks to righties and lefties. Control has been the problem for Brown in college and pro-ball, with his freshman year 6.2 BB/9 representing his career low. He flashes the ability to be a poor command guy who will still walk his fair share, but not every batter. Brown’s control, coupled with the lack of a plus secondary pitch probably keeps him from a late inning role, but he could be a 6th or 7th inning arm that sometimes is frustrating, but could get key outs.
2022 Outlook: Brown was only in Reading for one appearance due to their COVID skipped series, so a return trip to AA is in the works. If things click he could rise very quickly to the majors, but given that he won’t need Rule 5 protection he may end his year in AAA on the edge of the majors.
ETA: 2023
Previous Rank: UR
42. Marcus Lee Sang, OF
Age: 21
Acquired: Drafted in the 11th Round of the 2019 Draft by the Phillies
B/T: L/L
H/W: 6’0” 200lbs
2021 Stats:
| Team (LVL) | G | PA | HR | SB | BB% | K% | AVG | OBP | SLG |
| PHI (CPX) | 26 | 96 | 5 | 11 | 7.3% | 26.0% | .273 | .333 | .534 |
| CLW (A-) | 11 | 114 | 0 | 0 | 10.8% | 29.7% | .212 | .297 | .242 |
Role: Average Regular
Risk: Extreme – Lee Sang was very raw when he entered the Phillies system before the lost year, and the missed year of development did help. He still has a long development path ahead of him.
Summary: After missing a year of development, the plan for Lee Sang looks to have been for him to spend the year in the complex, but the COVID outbreak in Clearwater forced him to the Threshers for two weeks where he struggled. A raw, two way player in high school, Lee Sang has a lot of developing still to do and it was clear the complex was where he belonged. After striking out 24 times in his first 18 games of the year, he struck out 12 times in the last 19 and started to consistently drive the ball. He is a good runner who has played all three outfield positions, and he has a strong arm as well (he was over 90mph on the mound in high school). He has good bat speed and solid power. He has the tools to be a solid player, but he is going to be slow moving through the system and it might not always be pretty along the way.
2022 Outlook: After getting a taste of Clearwater in 2021, Lee Sang likely spends the full year in low-A.
ETA: 2025
Previous Rank: 45
41. Yemal Flores, OF
Age: 18
Acquired: Signed as an International Free Agent in January 2021 by the Phillies
B/T: R/R
H/W: 5’11” 206lbs
2021 Stats:
| Team (LVL) | G | PA | HR | SB | BB% | K% | AVG | OBP | SLG |
| PHI (DSL) | 37 | 140 | 2 | 7 | 15.0% | 35.7% | .171 | .307 | .316 |
Role: Average Regular
Risk: Extreme – Flores has very good bat speed that drives plus raw power, but he has a ton of swing and miss and struggles with pitch recognition. He may not make enough quality contact to make it past A-ball.
Summary: Flores was one of the Phillies two big signings in January of 2021. He has big time tools with his bat speed driving plus raw power. He had a strikeout rate over 35% in the DSL and was worse as the season went on. He really needs to work on his pitch recognition and contact abilities, and at 18 has time to improve, but it has not been a great start. It may take a few years for him to get on track, but he has a lot of similar characteristics to Jose Pujols who never could get those things on track.
2022 Outlook: After struggling in his pro-debut in the DSL last year, Flores likely comes stateside where he will be one of the younger players in the FCL. It is likely to be a slow development path for Flores.
ETA: 2026
Previous Rank: 35