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Phillies address pitching, infield on day two of MLB Draft

By George Stockburger

STANFORD, CA - JUNE 02: Stanford Cardinal pitcher Erik Miller (26) leads off the game with a pitch in the Regional Champions game between Stanford and Fresno State on Sunday, June 02, 2019 at Klein Field in Stanford, California. (Photo by Douglas Stringer/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
STANFORD, CA - JUNE 02: Stanford Cardinal pitcher Erik Miller (26) leads off the game with a pitch in the Regional Champions game between Stanford and Fresno State on Sunday, June 02, 2019 at Klein Field in Stanford, California. (Photo by Douglas Stringer/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – JUNE 17: Phillies Director of Amateur Scouting Johnny Almaraz addresses the media during a press conference prior to the game against the Baltimore Orioles on June 17, 2015 at the Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

The Phillies had a clear and concise path on day two of the MLB Draft.

After drafting University of Las Vegas shortstop Bryson Stott 14th overall in the MLB Draft the Phillies had to wait until their next pick. By signing Bryce Harper to a large contract they forfeited their second round pick and had to wait 67 picks before getting their next prospect.

With eight picks on day two of the draft the Phillies had a clear and concise path on day two of the MLB Draft: add experienced pitching and young infielders.

6. . SS. Benedictine School (VA). Jamari Baylor. 91. player

With the 91st overall pick Philadelphia took high school shortstop Jamari Baylor.

MLB.com ranked Baylor as their 161st overall prospect and Baseball America (subscription required) had him ranked 303rd. A lot of publications might call this pick a reach, but they highlighted his speed, athleticism, and arm strength.

Another question with this pick is why the team took two shortstop with their top two picks, especially with Jean Segura signed through 2022.

Philadelphia’s minor league shortstop depth isn’t great, especially with MLB Pipeline’s #4 Phillies prospect Luis Garcia struggling in Lakewood. Still 18-years-old, Garcia is hitting .198 with 50 strikeouts in 51 games for the BlueClaws.

Nick Maton is the only other shortstop ranked on the list (#18 overall) but he’s still in Advanced-A Clearwater. He’s swinging a strong bat, hitting .287 with four more hits than games played, but he’s still years away and is already 22-years-old.

Other than those two the Phillies need depth, and while Stott could be ready to impact the major league club by the time Segura is done, Baylor can develop or be a trade piece in a couple of years.

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