In the 4th round the Phillies took a very Phillies type pitcher in 6’4″ RHP Alex McFarlane out of Miami (Fl).
McFarlane has…
- Athleticism
- High end velocity (95-96 T99)
- High spin fastball (though it seems it isn’t the ride shape they have prioritized, according to Fangraphs)
- Plus slider
- Poor control
It isn’t quite the Griff McGarry starter kit, as McGarry had actually just moved from the bullpen back to the rotation with good results, and McFarlane moved from the rotation to the bullpen. McFarlane has really taken off in the bullpen, and that seems to be where many project him. However, there is feel for a good changeup and the Phillies taking him this high in draft would make me think they are going to at least try and make him a starter. The Phillies have had success with this type of player making him a very interesting upside play. If the move to the rotation doesn’t work, the fastball/slider combination works very well in a possible high leverage relief role.