3 Phillies pitching prospect debuts to look forward to in 2022
Francisco Morales, future Phillies RHP
Another Double-A arm, Francisco Morales was a huge get for the Phillies during the 2016-2017 international signing period, and they have high hopes for him.
The scouting report on Morales boasts a fastball with “serious life” and “an absolutely filthy slider that generates a ton of swing-and-miss.” There’s also optimism about his changeup.
Morales’ numbers have been a bit up-and-down over his four years in the Phillies system. He currently has a 6.56 ERA over 18 games (17 starts), with 89 strikeouts over 70 innings.
Francisco Morales is an absolute animal.
— Alex Carr (@AlexCarrMLB) July 2, 2019
He is 19 years-old.
Look at all of this nasty breaking stuff.
Then look at his fastball velocity.
Now look at his 83 K’s in 55 frames this year.
And try to tell me you’re not impressed.
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It’s worth noting that command has been an issue for Morales as he’s moved up in the minors; he has a 6.3 BB/9 with 49 walks issued in his 18 games this season. The Phillies have quite a few pitchers with a BB problem, so this is something they’re definitely going to want to work on with Morales before he makes his debut.