Phillies projected to take top-rated arm in this year's MLB Draft

The Phillies have a plethora of talent on both sides of the ball right now. They have a terrific mix of veteran presence and poise in the clubhouse while also showcasing the exciting homegrown players within the organization. The Phillies get to add another one come July.

The 2024 MLB Draft will take place from July 14 to 16, in conjunction with the MLB All-Star Game and festivities.

Phillies projected to take top-rated arm in this year's MLB Draft

The Phillies have the 27th pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, and according to the most recent mock draft by MLB.com's Jim Callis, are projected to draft right-handed pitcher William Schmidt out of Catholic HS in Baton Rouge, LA.

Schmidt, an 18-year-old, has received exceptional praise from scouts. He's a towering 6-foot-4, 180-pounder with a fastball in the mid-90s. He has topped out at 99 mph, so there could be even more to improve on as he develops into his frame. He was named 2024 Louisiana Player of the Year.

Schmidt has committed to Louisiana State, the same university that Aaron Nola attended a decade prior. However, with how he has been pitching his senior year in Baton Rouge, there's doubt that he will go anywhere else besides the first round of the 2024 MLB Draft — hopefully to the Phillies.

To go along with his electric fastball, he has a low-80s curveball that is regarded as the best in the class by pro scouts. Schmidt has primarily used the two-pitch combination but has been messing around with a changeup to add to his arsenal.

"He owns the best curveball in the prep class," reads his MLB Pipeline scouting report.

"Schmidt can spin his curveball at upwards of 3,000 rpm, and it's [a] low-80s hammer that breaks so much that it often fools umpires as well as hitters."

A promising up-and-comer with the velocity of a major league talent and a wicked curveball can be a recipe for success as he progresses through the minors. Schmidt has also gained three mph on his fastball during his senior season at Catholic HS alone. So there are signs that he could get even better, especially with his fastball gaining movement along with just velocity.

The Phillies will look to continue their success through the draft after last year's draft pick, Aidan Miller, has been slugging it in Single-A to start the year.