The early-2025 hype around Philadelphia Phillies prospect Gabriel Rincones Jr. had fans frothing at the mouth during spring training. Since then, we haven't heard much about the Triple-A outfielder. That is, until now.
The 24-year-old Rincones was named to the Prospect Team of the Week for June 21-27 by MLB Pipeline. His performance couldn't have come at a better time for the Phillies. With the MLB trade deadline right around the corner on Thursday, Rincones' strong showing could only have served to raise his trade value.
After a disappointing season, prospect Gabriel Rincones Jr. shows up at perfect time for Phillies' trade deadline
Rincones went 6-for-15 with two home runs, five RBIs, eight runs scored and a stolen base in five games for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. He also added six walks to just three strikeouts during the week.
Gabriel Rincones Jr. went 2-for-4 with a home run and 3 RBI in yesterday's @IronPigs win! pic.twitter.com/DQHVxHq9Er
— Phillies Player Development (@PhilsPlayerDev) July 24, 2025
It's been rare to see the Phillies No. 9 MLB Pipeline prospect pop up on radars this season, which is surprising after the start he got off to in spring training.
The 2022 third-round draft pick showed some easy power through his first seven Grapefruit League games in Florida. A .333 batting average and 1.512 OPS with three home runs had Phillies fans falling all over themselves putting the cart before the horse. We all had images of Rincones patrolling the outfield at Citizens Bank Park and mashing homers into the right field stands this season.
GABRIEL RINCONES JR. MOONSHOT 💣 pic.twitter.com/iBHClDIXSr
— Reading Fightin Phils (@ReadingFightins) February 23, 2025
Then reality clobbered us over the head. He proceeded to go 1-for-11 before being sent to minor league camp. His season in Triple-A has gone about the same.
Up until his big week, Rincones had been slashing .215/.344/.360 with nine home runs, 42 RBIs and 12 steals in 80 games in Allentown. You can see why we haven't heard much about him this year. With a 23.1 percent strikeout rate and 47.9 percent ground ball rate, he has obviously had a tough time adjusting to the highest level the minor leagues have to offer.
Hopefully last week was enough to grab the attention of trade deadline sellers. The Phillies will surely have to move some top prospect capital before the 6 p.m. ET deadline to bolster the big league roster. As a top 10 prospect, Rincones' name could come up in trade talks.
Whether other organizations will see enough value in him as a trade chip after the way his season has played out remains to be seen.