Phillies Post-2016 Top 30 Prospect Rankings: 11-15
By John Town
Rather than dilly-dallying about something random for 200 words on the first slide, I’m just going to jump right in with the No. 15 Phillies Prospect: Outfielder Carlos Tocci.
The biggest gripe about Carlos Tocci is his size. The Phillies signed Tocci the day after he turned 16 in 2011, starting him in the Gulf Coast League at age 17. He still hasn’t grown much since then, weighing just 160 pounds despite standing 6’2.
Despite his lack of experience, the Phillies gave Tocci a chance at Low-A Lakewood at 18 years old. It took his third season there in 2015 for Tocci’s hitting to finally start clicking. He hit for an .810 OPS with the BlueClaws in 59 games. After a promotion to High-A Clearwater, Tocci’s numbers came back down to earth with a .258/.296/.313 line by the end of the year.
Tocci returned to Clearwater this year, spending the full season in Florida. Tocci did better in his second stint in the Florida State League, but not as well as his 2015 stint with Lakewood. His wRC+ was barely above-average at 103, stemming mostly from his lack of power. Tocci had a .331 on-base percentage and 13.7% walk rate this year with the Threshers.
Tocci is one of the best defensive outfielders the Phillies have and one of the few prospects who should have no problem remaining in center field. Matt Winkelman of Phillies Minor Thoughts loves what Tocci offers on defense, saying:
"“Defense is the foundation of what Tocci is as a prospect. His defense in center field would be at least above average in the majors right now with a great first step, efficient routes, and plus speed. There is no reason to believe he will be anything but a plus defender by the time he reaches the majors. Additionally, Tocci has a plus, accurate arm which is an asset in center field.”"
At the plate, Tocci has a solid-average hit tool, but his power is well below-average. He can pepper the gaps and leg out extra-base hits, but long balls will be hard to come by. If Tocci can add some strength his power projection could go up, but he is a long ways away.
Tocci is eligible for the Rule 5 draft this year, but it’s hard to imagine him sticking on a major-league roster for a full season since he’s never played above High-A. Considering his prospect value, the Phillies might still protect him rather than lose one of their better outfielding prospects.