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Phillies shortstop named top prospect in Gulf Coast League

By John Town

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 30: The Phillie Phanatic entertains with the help of a young fan during a game against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park on September 30, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Braves 3-1. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 30: The Phillie Phanatic entertains with the help of a young fan during a game against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park on September 30, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Braves 3-1. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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Phillies shortstop prospect Luis Garcia was named the top prospect in the rookie-level Gulf Coast League by Baseball America.

What the Phillies lacked in quantity of prospects on Baseball America’s Top 20 Gulf Coast League prospects list, they got in quality. Shortstop prospect Luis Garcia – not to be confused with the reliever – was named the top prospect in the GCL this season on Monday.

Garcia is a new face in the system. This was his first season playing professional ball after being signed in July 2017 with a $2.5 million bonus. It was one of the biggest signing bonuses they have given to an international prospect, but so far Garcia has lived up to the cost.

Garcia played in the GCL this year at 17 years old, turning 18 Oct. 1. He was 2.7 years younger than the average player in the league. In 43 games, Garcia posted a .369/.433/.488 line with 32 runs batted in and 15 extra-base hits. He stole 12 bases in 20 opportunities. Garcia walked in 8.0% of his plate appearances while striking out in only 11.2%. He won the batting title and finished third in on-base percentage.

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BA’s Ben Badler praised Garcia’s defense, stating that he makes “flashy” plays but remains “smart” and “under control” as well. Garcia made five errors and finished with a .969 fielding percentage, but he should clean that up in time.

Badler also pointed out Garcia’s solid plate approach from both sides, as evidenced by his aforementioned strikeout and walk rates. Badler said Garcia hit to all fields with “gap power”.

After his breakout season, Garcia should rocket up team prospect rankings. He already has begun to, being ranked No. 8 overall by Fangraphs’ Marc Hulet. At midseason, Garcia was ranked No. 14 overall by MLB.com.

He should easily be in the top ten when they update the list. I know when we eventually release our top prospect list here at That Ball’s Outta Here, he will definitely be near the top.

Next. Phillies 2018 report card: SP Vince Velasquez. dark

After seeing J.P. Crawford graduate to the majors this year, we already know who the top shortstop in the system is.

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