Examining the Phillies Short-Season Pitching Prospects
By John Town
RHP Adonis Medina (Williamsport) – 6’1 185, 12/18/96
Medina burst onto the scene in 2015 with the GCL Phillies as his fastball clocked upwards of 97. He sat comfortably between 91 and 94, emerging as the top pitcher from that team. Baseball America recognized this, slotting him as the eight-best prospect in the Phillies system after 2015.
What makes Medina stand out over other young pitchers are his advanced secondary pitches. He has a good feel for his curveball and change-up, with both flashing plus. Medina’s fastball has held its velocity, and is high for someone with his stature.
Medina hasn’t struck batters out at the same rate as he did at the rookie-level, but that isn’t to say he’s struggled. In eleven starts, he’s allowed opposing hitters a meager .190 average with a 57% ground-ball rate. Medina is much more efficient on the mound, which should hasten his rise to the majors.
Medina will still be 19 through the rest of the season, with plenty of room to mature and develop. He pounds the strike zone with a solid three-pitch combo, forcing batters into groundouts. Even with just two years stateside, Medina has emerged as a top-tier pitching prospect for the Phillies.
Next: Bailey Falter