With the first day of the 2017 MLB draft completed, we’ll grade each pick the Phillies made and their overall decision-making strategy.
The Phillies brought two prospects into the fold Monday night in the first two rounds of this year’s draft. Their first-round pick from last year, Mickey Moniak, jumped right to the top of their farm system and Kevin Gowdy, their 2016 second-round pick, wasn’t too far behind him as several regard him as a top-ten prospect in the system.
In the first round, the Phillies selected Virginia outfielder Adam Haseley one selection after the Diamondbacks took Haseley’s teammate, Pavin Smith, who was connected to Philadelphia many times.
In the second round, the team went with a college pitcher who could sign for below the pick’s slot value in Spencer Howard. This could give them more financial flexibility with Haseley or some of their Day Two picks.
Let’s break down each of Philadelphia’s picks from Monday night and how they stack up in the system.