Phillies Top 30 prospects starting the season in Double-A
The Reading Fightin Phils have been the Phillies' Double-A affiliate since 1967, tied for the longest minor league affiliation in baseball. It's often where players begin to face tougher competition and start their full ramp-up toward the big leagues.
Prospects in Double-A are often candidates for breakout years, which could lead to a promotion to Lehigh Valley or even a late-season fill-in spot for the Phillies.
Gabriel Rincones Jr., OF, Phillies No. 10 prospect
Gabriel Rincones Jr,, 23, is a corner outfield project who shows off plus power from the left side. During his first full season in professional baseball, the 6-foot-3 lefty showcased the power that got him drafted in the third round, hitting 15 home runs across 120 games between Low- and High-A.
The Florida native has started off 2024 hot as well crushing two homers in the first three games of his season, hitting to an OPS of over 1.000.
Show 'em how it's done!
— Phillies Player Development (@PhilsPlayerDev) April 6, 2024
Gabriel Rincones Jr. hit a homer to tie the game in the fourth inning last night as the @ReadingFightins beat Bowie 5-2. pic.twitter.com/Y94z2jJnXH
Rincones' smooth power stroke has been catching people's eyes, leading to some hype around him this season, even with the fall from the No. 7 prospect down to No. 10.
While his frame and athleticism limit him to a corner outfield role, a bat that can hit for power will play at any level. Much like Darick Hall in 2022 and 2023, Rincones could find himself a spot on the major league team with a hot stretch at the plate and the need for a left-handed bat either off the bench or in relief of injury.
Carlos De La Cruz, OF/1B, Phillies No. 13 prospect
The 6-foot-8 monster is hoping for a big season in Double-A with the Fightin Phils. Carlos De La Cruz, 24, has been a freak of nature in his baseball career. He uses his gigantic frame to generate raw power while also comfortably fielding all three outfield positions up to the Double-A level.
In a full season with Reading last year, De La Cruz crushed 24 home runs, drove in 67 runs, and struck out 160 times. With his large frame and violent swing, the swing-and-miss part of the game will always be there. De La Cruz's biggest development has been his growth against better competition.
After posting an .807 OPS with the High-A Jersey Shore BlueClaws in 2022, his OPS dropped only .010 when promoted to Reading. His slugging regressed slightly but he increased his walk rate and totaled 54 walks over the course of the season.
With a better command of the strike zone, De La Cruz could increase his value tenfold. A 6-foot-8 right-handed power hitter who understands the strike zone and can be selective at the plate is a valuable asset for any organization.
Other notable Double-A prospects: Christian McGowan, Caleb Ricketts, Robert Moore, José Rodríguez