With the MLB draft closing in, which players should the Phillies be considering picking at No. 14? Here are five worth taking a look at.
The MLB draft takes place in just a few days, and it’s still anyone’s guess who the Phillies will take at No. 14 overall. Recent mock drafts have no consensus about who they are eyeing, meaning it’s anyone’s guess whose name gets called on June 3.
Which players should be at the top of the Phillies draft board? I’ll detail five who could be worth taking at No. 14 overall.
RHP George Kirby, Elon University
Both the Athletic and Baseball America mocked Kirby to the Phillies in their most recent mock drafts. He was the only one mocked to the club by multiple significant outlets, so he’s probably got a better shot than most.
Kirby just wrapped up an impressive junior season at Elon University in North Carolina, starting 14 games for the Phoenix. In 88 innings, he had a 2.75 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, and unreal 17.83 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He walked just six batters all season long, which is indicative of his control on the mound.
Kirby’s arsenal on the mound isn’t the best, but it’s enough to put him high among draft rankings. His best pitch is a plus fastball that can reach into the mid-90s. He adds in an above-average changeup and potentially average breaking balls. Combined with his command, as mentioned above, and he has the makings of an excellent mid-rotation starter in the future.
Aaron Nola was the last pitcher selected by the Phillies in the first round five years ago, so the team is overdue to take another pitcher. Like Nola, Kirby could be a quick riser as he is already a well-rounded pitcher.