4 under the radar Phillies prospects named Organization All-Stars by MLB Pipeline
By Matt Dargan
Carlos De La Cruz, OF/1B, No. 6 prospect
First base seems to be wrapped up for the foreseeable future, with Bryce Harper slated to hold down the position going forward. But what should we make of the imposing Carlos De La Cruz? Standing 6-foot-8 and barreling baseballs in Double-A Reading, this is a man somehow taller than Aaron Judge and Oneil Cruz.
Signed as an undrafted free agent in 2017, De La Cruz has more than proved his doubters wrong with a slash line of .259, 24 home runs, and 67 RBI. That's some legit middle-of-the-order production, but will it carry over at higher levels? It's possible.
It's a good thing De La Cruz also had plenty of experience in the outfield in 2023 because all indications are that the Phillies might have an opening in February. The 24-year-old will likely get his first taste of Triple-A to begin next season. It will be interesting to see what De La Cruz can produce against more advanced pitching.
Timeline: Carlos De La Cruz could be looking at the middle of 2024 or early 2025 to make his Major League debut.
De La Cruz could be the first right-handed bat the Phillies call upon if Johan Rojas continues to struggle against Major League pitching or the team doesn't make additions via free agency or a trade. Other teams might find his power intriguing, so this could be one of those guys the Phillies trade if they feel that dealing young pitching is too risky.