The Phillies continued with both the HS theme and the off the board theme in the 4th round with HS RHP Micah Ottenbreit.
Ottenbreit is a 6’4″ projectable right hander (175lbs). He reportedly is 90-94 with good spin on his curveball and feel for a changeup. It is less present stuff then you want to see at this point in the draft, but it is easy to dream on how it all gets better. He was committed to Michigan St, so there is a chance this may be closer to slot then a reach might typically be. Much like Viars, Ottenbreit is at the young end of the class.
This and the Phillies previous pick (Viars) are certainly going to draw scrutiny for deviating from the public big boards. Their slot amounts and the further picks today might show how they really feel, but reaching like this asks us to really trust them as an organization, which might be a bridge too far for many fans.
Phillies take Micah Ottenbreit, prep RHP from Michigan. Long, projectable frame, FB 90-94 mostly, can really spin the breaker and flashes good CH as well. Starter traits with a long ways to go. #PGDraft
— Brian Sakowski (@Sakowski_GoDuke) July 12, 2021