Devin Saltiban
Devin Saltiban looks to be a player skilled in playing multiple positions. He was an outfielder in high school and played shortstop with the Florida Complex League Phillies in the Rookie league for 10 games in 2023.
The 19-year-old played at second base last season with the Threshers. Saltiban totaled a .956 fielding percentage at the position and had 13 errors. He may see more time at shortstop and in the outfield this season if he continues to have issues with committing mistakes. After starting exclusively at second in 2024, the Phillies may want to put him in the outfield or at shortstop more often to keep him sharp at those spots.
Saltiban was Philadelphia's No. 9 prospect in MLB Pipeline's mid-season rankings in 2024, and he is currently ranked No. 8. A native Hawaiian, the youngster has drawn some comparisons to former Phillie Shane Victorino, who also is from the state.
Kaha Wong, the father of players Kolten and Kean Wong, worked with Saltiban and spoke about what is impressive about the prospect after the Phillies drafted him in the third round of the 2023 MLB Draft: "Fast, quick, good arm, he can track the ball in the outfield. He hits the ball hard. He can turn a single into a double with his speed. He’s smart on the bases.
Devin Saltiban’s bat is HOT
— Phillies Player Development (@PhilsPlayerDev) September 6, 2024
The No. 9 Phillies prospect has knocked 12 hits including 4 home runs and 11 RBIs in the last 10 games. pic.twitter.com/udcxEygfJc
Saltiban posted a .333/.391/.452 line and an OPS of .843 in 10 games with the FCL Phillies two years ago. He had 14 hits, 10 runs and seven RBI. The Hilo, Hawaii, native finished with a .237/.346/.428 slash line and a .774 OPS with the Threshers in 2024. He totaled 68 runs, 13 doubles, 17 home runs, 53 RBI and 22 stolen bases.
Wong complimented the character Saltiban demonstrated at a young age: "Just how he presents himself. He’s easy to coach. That’s something people don’t look at, and I do. He works hard. He had no problem with just listening. Going through the process is easy with a guy like that. Some young kids don’t want to do that. Devin worked hard. Not only on the field, but in the classroom.”
Baseball America listed Saltiban as one of the three Phillies prospects expected to break out (subscription required) in 2025. The utility player has shown his defensive versatility and his quick bat on offense thus far. It would not be surprising if he ends the year in Jersey Shore or Reading.