Major League Baseball's draft is set to begin Sunday. The Philadelphia Phillies hold the 26th pick in the first round.
In each of the last five drafts, the Phillies have taken a player out of high school. That worked because the front office felt that with the current group of players on the roster, they did not need an immediate impact player.
With the current core of the roster getting older, it may be time to re-evaluate their draft strategy as their selection draws near.
Phillies need to rethink their strategy for the 2025 MLB Draft after picking high school players in last five drafts
Taking players out of high school is a bigger risk than drafting a more polished player out of college. However, the Phillies' front office has done a good job of finding raw, young talent in over the last five drafts. They have chosen Mick Abel, Andrew Painter, Justin Crawford, Aidan Miller, and Dante Nori over that span.
Some have developed into the organization's top prospects, but only one (Abel) has seen time in the big leagues thus far.
When a player goes from the high school field to professional ball, there is always a chance that they struggle. Nori, for example, started the 2025 season slowly. In his first 45 games, the 2024 first round pick hit just .231with a .626 OPS.
Since June 1, however, Nori has turned it around as he has hit .296 with a .795 OPS in that span. Still, he is far away and has developing to do.
This year, however, the Phillies' may alter their approach given the fact that team needs have changed. Many mock drafts have projected the team to draft a player who may be closer to making an impact on a major league field. One name that has been consistent in the mock drafts is catcher Luke Stevenson out of the University of North Carolina.
With the potential departure of J.T. Realmuto to free agency, and a lack of catching depth in the minor league system, it would make sense for the Phillies to add a player who could be ready to fill that void in the near future.
The Phillies' brass would be wise to consider the changing needs of the club heading into 2026 and beyond. Getting a player out of college would likely mean that they will have someone to call up and take a spot on the big-league roster in the next two years or so.
While the team's World Series window is still wide open, it is integral to be prepared for the future. Building a solid minor league system and prospect pool will help avoid falling into a lull like the organization did after 2011.
It remains to be seen what strategy the front office will carry into Sunday's first round, but it would not be surprising to see them deviate from their recent trends.