January is almost over, which means it's time to look ahead to the 2026 MLB season and beyond. Contrary to what many Phillies fans may currently think, there are a handful of reasons to be optimistic about the team's future. The biggest reason for optimism may be their farm system which feels deeper than usual and boasts three prospects in MLB Pipeline's new Top 100 list.
Of course, there's the recognizable big names such as the organization's new No. 1 prospect in shortstop Aidan Miller, starting pitcher Andrew Painter, and projected Opening Day center fielder Justin Crawford. The attention garnered by that trio causes other enticing prospects in the Phillies' system to be overlooked, such as a top second base prospect who should have the franchise re-thinking their future plans at the position.
Aroon Escobar's ranking among Top 10 2B prospects means Bryson Stott's job may soon be in jeopardy
In preparation for their 2026 edition of the Top 100 prospects in baseball, MLB Pipeline revealed their Top 10 prospects at each position, with the Phillies' Aroon Escobar cracking Jim Callis' list of Top 10 second base prospects at No. 7. The 21-year-old out of the Dominican boasts a strong hit tool which caused him to rise three ranks in the Phillies' minor league system, ultimately ending the season in Double-A Reading.
Escobar appeared in only five games for the Fightin Phils at the end of 2025, logging a .181 average in 22 at-bats. In total, Escobar slashed .270/.361/.413 with 16 home runs and 62 RBIs last season, which started with him homering in his first plate appearance at big league camp last spring training.
It's that impressive bat that has fans excited about Escobar, though Callis lists a reason to pump the brakes in his article.
Escobar was named Callis' second base prospect with the most to prove in 2026, as "He slashed .360/.461/.627 in April and just .252/.341/.371 afterward, so some questions remain as to exactly how good his bat is."
It seems like the Phillies aren't questioning Escobar's offensive abilities, inviting him to spring training as a non-roster invitee.
It's hard to question Escobar's glove, however, as his 50-grade arm and glove rank as the best among all prospects listed at the position by Callis. An above-average defensive second baseman sounds familiar to Phillies fans, with Bryson Stott being among the league's best despite never winning a Gold Glove.
Escobar's high praise should have Phillies fans looking forward to the prospect's potential debut with the team in a few seasons. MLB Pipeline has Escobar's MLB ETA listed as 2028, which is the same year that Stott enters free agency.
It's no secret that the Phillies want some young blood infused with their aging core. If he continues to impress in the minors over the next few seasons, the team should strongly consider moving on from Stott and handing Escobar the starting second baseman job for what would be his age-23 season, if not sooner.