MLB Pipeline has released it's top minor league farm systems as picked by MLB executives, and it seems the Philadelphia Phillies still have some work to do in gaining respect within the sport.
Under the guidance of director of player development and assistant general manager Preston Mattingly, the Phillies have certainly improved over the last couple of drafts and international signing periods. Yet, even with the likes of Aidan Miller, Justin Crawford, and Starlyn Caba joining the organization, the Phillies find themselves on the outside looking in when it comes to most superlatives of the Pipeline poll.
MLB executives view Phillies system as one of the most underrated
Rebuilding the Phillies' minor league system has been a slow but steady process in recent years, but receiving votes in the category of the most underrated farm system is indicative that all of the scouting, drafting, and development are starting to attract some attention within the industry.
While the Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, and Seattle Mariners find themselves in a three-way tie for first, with 11 percent of executives viewing their minor league systems to be the most underrated, the Phillies received six percent of the vote.
Also gaining 6 percent of the vote in this category are the Cleveland Guardians, Texas Rangers, and Milwaukee Brewers.
Don't sleep on these farm systems 😴
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) January 11, 2024
We asked baseball executives about the most underrated systems and much more: https://t.co/hb07qnCzRm pic.twitter.com/pXdn1xrgB3
Phillies also gaining attention for international signings
The Phillies recently signed a promising young shortstop out of Cuba named Denilson Águila. The 17-year-old switch hitter instantly became one of the organization's top prospects. Águila obviously has some development in the minor leagues ahead of him and isn't close to major league ready, but all indications are this is a young player featuring raw tools who could have a bright future stateside.
Cuban SS Denilson Águila (17) officially signs the Philadelphia Phillies.
— Francys Romero (@francysromeroFR) December 7, 2023
Switch hitter with defense/arm above average and good bat speed.
He left Cuba in 2021.
Águila is the Cuban-born player #32 who signs in the current international period that ends on December 15. pic.twitter.com/KjVQxCaqXl
One has to look no further than the major league roster for past success in international signings. Starting pitcher Ranger Suárez was signed for $25,000 out of Venezuela in 2012. Seranthony Domínguez signed at the age of 16 out of the Dominican Republic in 2011.
The last two signing periods have seen the Phillies ink William Bergolla (2022) and Starlyn Caba (2023) as their top international signings. Both players have seen early success in their young Phillies careers.
While the Phillies are still building a minor league system of young and talented prospects, the MLB Pipeline poll proves that the organization has more work to do if it wants to become one of the top farm systems in Major League Baseball.