George Klassen (Angels)

Role: Late inning reliever
Risk: Extreme – Klassen walked 47 and struck out 49 in 56.2 innings at Minnesota as a starting pitcher. He did not pitch after signing, and while it is presumed he will move to the bullpen, that move has not been made official.
Summary: The Phillies in recent drafts have not been afraid of pitchers with poor control and poor results, but also big stuff. Klassen fits the same mold as Griff McGarry and Alex McFarlane in the past two drafts, but with even less track record of success. Klassen is short and slight, but he was reportedly high 90s, up to 101 with Minnesota in spring 2023. He throws a slider as well, and Baseball America reported that he also threw a cutter at the Draft Combine. Klassen slid all the way to the 6th round because his control was poor at best. His lack of control has him publicly earmarked to move to a bullpen role, where maybe some simplicity and lack of needing to turn a lineup over will lead to better control. The Phillies have not always followed conventional wisdom, so there is a chance he starts or long relieves, especially if they are reworking his delivery or arsenal.
2024 Outlook: Given he did not pitch in a game after the draft, it would be a surprise if he started anywhere other than Clearwater or the complex. Unless he moves to the bullpen and takes off, it is probably going to be slow moving for a while.