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3 Under-the-radar prospect picks by Phillies farm director Preston Mattingly

By Gabrielle Starr

Virginia pitcher Griff McGarry (25) throws a pitch against Mississippi St. in the second inning during game eight in the NCAA Men’s College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park Tuesday, June 22, 2021 in Omaha, Neb.Miss St Virginia 009
Virginia pitcher Griff McGarry (25) throws a pitch against Mississippi St. in the second inning during game eight in the NCAA Men’s College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park Tuesday, June 22, 2021 in Omaha, Neb.Miss St Virginia 009 /
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Phillies Johan Rojas
Mar 1, 2021; Clearwater, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies Johan Rojas #98 poses during media day at Phillies Spring Training Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: MLB photos via USA TODAY Sports /

Who is Phillies prospect Johan Rojas?

Johan Rojas could very well be the Phillies’ solution to their barren outfield. After sending several major and minor leaguers into free agency last fall, the depth chart is currently Bryce Harper, Matt Vierling, and no one else.

Mattingly gave Rojas high praise when he said,

"“Johan Rojas, if there’s a better defensive center fielder in the minor leagues, I haven’t seen him.”"

Rojas could rise rapidly through the farm system like Bryson Stott did, but he’s not exactly big-league material quite yet. He spent the 2021 season with three teams at the lower levels of the farm, hitting a combined .263/.329/.417/ with a .747 OPS, 18 doubles, four triples, and 11 home runs over 96 games.

The 21-year-old also impressed on the basepaths, going 34-for-43 in stolen-base attempts. By comparison, Bryce Harper and J.T. Realmuto led the big-league club with 13 stolen bases apiece. It will be nice to add some speed to the squad in the future, however, the bulk of his play came with their Low-A Clearwater Threshers, so it’s not like he’s knocking on the Phillies’ door from Triple-A.

MLB.com ranks Rojas as the number-six prospect in the Phillies’ system and estimates his big-league ETA to be 2023.

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