The Phillies take their first college senior in the 7th round, drafting Caleb Ricketts a catcher (and part time outfielder) from University of San Diego.
Ricketts had 3 underwhelming years, before a massive power explosion this year hitting .373/.423/.658 with 16 home runs. He is a big dude (6’4″ 225lbs) and there are questions about his ability to stay behind the plate. If he has to move off the position he will need all of the offensive gains to be real.
I don’t expect the Phillies to sign him for bottom of the barrel bonus here, but this looks like a priority senior sign, saving a bunch of money and getting a guy they find interesting. He will need to catch to have any real prospect value as a bat first backup.
There's only ONE draft-eligible hitter this year with a contact% over 85 percent, average exit velos over 90 mph and contact rates over 80% on both FB and breaking balls.
San Diego C/OF Caleb Ricketts.
… and he impressed scouts in the Regionals v. OSU and Vandy.
📈📈📈
— Joe Doyle (@JoeDoyleMiLB) June 7, 2022