Most fans of Major League Baseball are bracing for the worst, as the looming labor unrest between players and owners is almost certain to result in a lockout. If that work stoppage extends into the spring, there’s a real chance games could be missed in 2027, or perhaps the entire season cancelled.
Such a development would be the worst case scenario for baseball fans across the country, as well as for any players on 40-man rosters who would be unable to take part in competitive games for however long a lockout lasts. One silver lining is that players who aren't on the 40-man would still be able to play in minor league games, allowing them to continue developing. Let’s dive into some Philadelphia Phillies prospects that will be glad to keep their momentum going next season regardless of a lockout.
5 Phillies prospects who'll be playing through any MLB lockout in 2027
Francisco Renteria
Gage Wood may be garnering most of the headlines in Phillies prospect circles, and for good reason, but perhaps the most talented player in the entire system is 17-year-old Francisco Renteria. The Phillies signed Renteria for a whopping $4 million bonus this past January, and he’s immediately shown why he was worthy of that price tag.
The Venezuelan outfielder went nuclear in the Dominican Summer League, launching 11 homers and 39 total extra-base hits in 53 games, slashing .379/.470/.682 along the way. That remarkable performance earned him league MVP honors, and points to a rapid ascension through the minor leagues over the next few years. Thankfully, Renteria is young enough that he won’t be missing crucial development time due to labor unrest next season.
Tyler Spangler
Tyler Spangler, this summer’s first-round selection, was eerily similar to 2023 top choice Aidan Miller as a supremely talented shortstop with a bad back. Spangler missed his entire senior high school season due to back troubles, but was healthy enough for the Phils to take him 36th overall and he’s appeared in seven minor league games thus far.
Anything the Californian does in Low-A down the stretch this year is a nice bonus, but the real test will come next year in his first full professional season. The towering shortstop has serious five-tool potential, and has garnered comparisons to Cal Ripken Jr. and Corey Seager from MLB Pipeline. It’s a good thing he’ll have an opportunity to prove himself in the low minors next year, and he could be a part of the Phillies’ infield picture before we know it.
Juan Parra
It looks like the Phils have a true breakout on their hands in 17-year-old shortstop Juan Parra. Like Francisco Renteria, Parra was signed this past January out of Venezuela, but for just $550,000. So far, that looks like an absolute steal, as the switch hitter has slashed .295/.451/.437 across 54 DSL games. His glove should play at the major league level, and if he can keep building on the momentum he has at the plate, he could become the Phillies’ everyday shortstop sometime down the road.
Caden Bogenpohl
Caden Bogenpohl is possibly the most interesting player in this year’s draft class for the Phillies, as the massive 6’6”, 245-pound outfielder has the potential to become an Adam Dunn-like slugger if everything clicks. So far the 21-year-old has held his head above water in 20 Low-A contests, putting up a .742 OPS and driving in 11 runs. It’ll be fascinating to see if the second-rounder can keep his strikeout rate low enough to capitalize on his light tower power, and the 2027 season should be just the opportunity he needs to prove himself.
Will Gasparino
The Phillies seem to be starting a collection of hulking outfielders, as they grabbed 6’6”, 220-pound Will Gasparino with their fifth-round selection. The UCLA product has been terrific for the Low-A Clearwater Threshers, slashing .279/.410/.426, with just 19 strikeouts over 83 trips to the plate. Shockingly enough, the massive Gasparino plays a solid center field and could help solidify the Phils’ outfield picture in a few years’ time.
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