Phillies 2023 Draft Rounds 11-20

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As I can throughout the afternoon I will be updating this post with the Phillies picks and notes about them.

Round 11 – Kehden Hettiger, C, Sierra Canyon School (CA)

Sort of a surprising pick because it didn’t look like the Phillies would have a bunch of money left. Hettiger is an Oregon commit who could be draft eligible in 2 years. He is a switch hitter with big power from the left side. He reportedly has a good approach and feel for contact from both sides as well. BA reports some bat tip and hitch that he overcomes with bat speed (similar in some ways to Aidan Miller). Hettiger is a big dude already and has the arm for catcher, but the receiving side sounds like it will need some work.

Round 12 – Brandon Beckel, RHP, Texas Tech

Beckel has been a pure reliever in his three college years, but was dominant this season pitching 48.1 innings in 24 appearances. He is big (6’4″) RHP that Baseball America notes as sitting low to mid 90s with his fastball and a mid 80s slider that is more of a power curveball.

Round 13 – Marty Gair, RHP, Florida SouthWestern State College

Gair is the type of player you are looking for on Day 3 of the draft, he is a huge (6’6″) RHP with a vertical fastball that he can get up to 98-99. He looks to have a breaking ball, but it will need work. He also has control issues, though much improved in the last two years.

Round 14 – Zach Arnold, SS, Houston

Arnold started his career at LSU before transferring to Houston in 2022. Had a good season in 2022, and made some improvements in 2023 and hit .365/.453/.590. He has some positional versatility as well, playing multiple infield position.

Round 15 – Jared Thomas, C, Loyola Marymount University

Thomas is a backup catcher projection. He started at Miami for two years before moving to Loyola in 2022 and got regular praying time. He doesn’t strike out much, walked at a good rate, and got hits at a decent rate. He profiles as a solid defender behind the plate.

Round 16 – Luke Russo, RHP, Eastern Michigan University

Russo is a tall (6’4″) righty who started and relieved for EMU. He struck out 107 in 78 innings (12.3/9) while dramatically cutting his walk rate. He looks to throw in the low 90s with a low 80s breaking ball. He is slated to transfer to UNC, but is a 4th year senior.

Round 17 – A.J. Shaver, OF, Florida SouthWestern University

The Phillies went back to Florida SouthWestern in the 17th to get a hitter with big 2023 numbers. Shaver hit .403/.468/.882 with 24 doubles, 4 triples, and 19 home runs. He did walk only 14 times and struck out 47. Shaver started at Florida State and was headed to Troy.

Round 18 – Ethan Chenault, RHP, UNC Wilmington

Chenault is the Phillies type in a tall (6’5″) RH RP who missed bats (11.1/9). Looks like low 90s fastball and a slider, with the slider being the dominant pitch with big sweep. He is slated to transfer to Florida State.

Round 19 – Casey Steward, RHP, Washburn University

Steward comes from a smaller school, but comes with a big frame (6’5″ 260llbs). He missed bats, but also had control issues. Looks like the fastball is in the mid 90s with a curve and changeup. The Phillies have gone both ways in terms of letting guys like this continue to start, and also trying to simplifying things in a relief profile.

Round 20 – Pierce Bennett, 2B, Wake Forest

Bennett is a college senior who hit .367/.456/.533 with 28 BB and 20 K in 2022 and .353/.431/.523 with 28 BB and 21 K in 2023. He is listed at 2B, but looks to be more of an outfielder. More hit than power based on the numbers.