Despite his back problems, the Phillies said ‘we got your back’ to top pick Tyler Spangler, inking him to a $3.25 million signing bonus Friday, nearly $500,000 more than the 36th pick’s slot value ($2,758,800).
Supplemental 1st-rder Tyler Spangler signs w/@Phillie for $3.25 million (slot 36 value = $2,758,800). California prep SS, potential top-10 pick before missing senior season w/back injury, Corey Seager comps w/size & lefty power. @StanfordBSB recruit. @MLBDraft pic.twitter.com/sgAMLkztK2
— Jim Callis (@jimcallisMLB) July 24, 2026
Philadelphia dropped from pick 26 to 36 due to a Competitive Balance Tax excession (they surpassed the second surcharge threshold of the CBT). Spangler, 18, missed his senior season due to a lingering back issue, which the Phillies declined to get into specifics about. Instead, they emphasized the belief they have in their evaluation of him, which dates back two years according to assistant general manager of amateur scouting Brian Barber.
“”I’m super excited about this one,” Barber said via MLB.com. “The opportunity at pick 36 to get a player that we identified going back two years … we saw him play as a high school junior, saw him play all throughout the summer and fall last year, and then obviously this past year got cut short."
“We just think he's a very good player. It's a hit-first [tool] right now that still needs to grow into the power, but obviously with his size and strength, we see that being potentially good as well. Shortstop, runs, throws. It’s kind of a total package for us, and just a guy we're super excited to be able to bring in.”
The Phillies believe Tyler Spangler has the potential to start in their middle infield
Spangler, 18, was a Stanford commit, but the Phillies were able to lure him away from the college ranks with the extra dividends. A De La Salle High School (Calif.) product, the 6-foot-3, 195-pound shortstop is a fluid athlete with a free-flowing swing. He received a 55 grade (which is above the 50 that’s regarded as the average for a Major League player) in the hitting, power, arm and fielding categories, per MLB Pipeline. MLB Pipeline also praised his zone awareness, and ability to use all fields in his offensive approach.
“It’s awesome,” Spangler said via NBC Sports after being introduced to the club at Citizens Bank Park. “Words can’t really describe it, to be honest.”
Spangler has a lanky frame, and while the framework for a high-average contact hitter is present, the Phillies will look for an uptick in his power profile as he adds size and continues to strength train. Throughout his high school career, Spangler slashed .376/.512/.708 with 13 doubles, seven triples, 16 home runs and 73 RBI.
He boasted a .430 average with 43 hits and 40 RBI (eight doubles, six triples and 10 HRs) in his junior season. He had 53 walks and a 1.220 OPS in his high school career.
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