Where are each of the Phillies' top prospects starting the season?

Baseball is one of the deepest sports in terms of talent, as most teams roster close to 90 players in their organization. In today's world, breaking into a team's Top 30 prospect list is an accomplishment in itself.

The Philadelphia Phillies Top 30 prospects, according to MLB Pipeline, are spread out among every level of the system, from Triple-A to Rookie ball. While some are tenured and find themselves on the cusp of major league action, others have just arrived on the professional scene and are embarking on their long journey to the top level of professional baseball.

With No. 1 Andrew Painter out for the season recovering from Tommy John surgery last July, other talents within the system will bring excitement to the people within the Phillies organization.

Most fans won't see much of the minor league action or buy into the excitement around the younger players in the organization, as minor league championships are much less respected than a World Series ring. That being said, there is a ton of talent within the system that could impact the major league squad, whether it's this year, next year, or a couple of seasons down the road.

Just because one is, or isn't a top prospect does not mean that their career is set. Some top prospects take years to make their way to the majors while some lower ranked prospects could find their way quickly to the majors as their impact could be felt right away.

There are numerous players within the Phillies system that have the tools to be impactful for the squad within the next few seasons.

Phillies Top 30 prospects starting the season in Triple-A

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs are the Phillies' Triple-A affiliate and usually host the most MLB-ready players in the organization. Just one step below the bigs, these players could be fringe MLB players, prospects making their way to The Show, or players with elite skills who can fill a specific role or hole in the team if needed.

Mick Abel, RHP, Phillies No. 2 prospect (MLB No. 46)

Mick Abel, 22, has been one of the Phillies' most hyped prospects since he was drafted in the first round of the 2020 MLDraft. His ability to mix his pitches combined with his MLB-level stuff has him on the cusp of breaking into the major league rotation.

The main hiccup in the Oregon native's game is command. While his strikeouts per nine in the minor leagues is 11.1, his walks per nine is almost half that at 4.9, significantly higher than the MLB average of 3.1 BB/9.

With his four-pitch mix of a plus fastball that reaches upwards of triple digits, an upper-70s curveball, and a slider that takes a left turn, it seems that he is close to getting his chance in the big leagues. Starting in Triple-A with the IronPigs gives Abel the opportunity to face increased competition and be ready at a moment's notice to make the trip to Philadelphia if needed.

Griff McGarry, RHP, Phillies No. 11 prospect

Another right-handed arm that has been in discussions with Painter and Abel as the next man up in the Phillies rotation, Griff McGarry has proven a lot since being drafted in the fifth round back in 2021.

The University of Virginia grad impressed in his first few seasons, jumping from the ninth-ranked prospect in 2022 to third in 2023. After a lackluster 2023 campaign in which he pitched to over a 6.00 ERA across three levels, including allowing 20 earned runs in just 4 1/3 innings for Lehigh Valley last season, McGarry is looking to get back on track, ranked as the Phillies No. 11 prospect in 2024.

Just like Abel, McGarry's struggles have come with a lack of command, pitching to a 6.1 BB/9 over his professional career. If he can command the baseball, he has the stuff to get outs.

McGarry boasts a repertoire of five pitches but throws only three a significant amount. His fastball sits around 95 mph, reaching upwards of 99. He uses his slider and curveball as finishing pitches, not often for called strikes but for swings and misses.

With a projected major league ETA of 2024, it is likely we will see at least one of Abel or McGarry in some capacity for the Phillies this year, whether it's in the rotation spot or as a long man out of the bullpen.

Other Notable Triple-A prospects: Simon Muzziotti