The Philadelphia Phillies have a lot of young talent in the farm system, whether they’re close to making their MLB debuts or just kickstarting their professional baseball careers. Andrew Painter, Justin Crawford, Aidan Miller and others receive most of the attention when talking about prospects. Still, there are multiple lesser-known prospects quietly enjoying success in the minor leagues.
Keaton Anthony has continued his success in June after a dominant May in Double-A with the Reading Fightin Phils. The Phillies signed the first baseman as an undrafted free agent in 2023 out of Iowa, and he has done nothing but impress through his first three seasons in the minors.
Phillies prospect Keaton Anthony just had an insane month in Double-A
After finishing the 2024 season in Double-A, Anthony began the 2025 season right where he left off in Reading. The 23-year-old is slashing .335/.390/.524 with a .914 OPS, 24 extra-base hits and 27 RBIs in 45 games.
Anthony, who was just named the Phillies' Minor League Hitter of the Month for May, made the case to be named the Eastern League Player of the Month for May after a successful 22-game stretch at the plate. After owning a .268 batting average in April, the right-hander slashed .385/.442/.603 with a 1.045 OPS, 14 extra-base hits and 12 RBI.
Submitting our nomination for Keaton Anthony as the Eastern League Player of the Month 🗳️
— Reading Fightin Phils (@ReadingFightins) June 1, 2025
Over 22 May games, Anthony slashed .385/.442/.603 (1.045 OPS), with 11 runs, 12 doubles, one triple, one home run, and 12 RBI! pic.twitter.com/5pfJVw7QJj
Despite owning a career .328 batting average through 162 games in the minors, Anthony isn’t a ranked prospect in MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 or even in the Phillies’ Top 30.
Not only has he had success at the plate as he’s still developing power, but Anthony can also flash the leather. The young first baseman was honored with the Rawlings Gold Glove Award for his performance in 2024, which is awarded to the top defensive player at each position across all levels of the minor leagues.
Anthony spent much of last season in High-A at Jersey Shore, where he had just one error in 409 2/3 innings at first base. He owned a .997 fielding percentage with only two errors in 87 games between Single-A, High-A and Double-A.
The Phillies don’t have any prospects listed as a first baseman in their Top 30, per MLB Pipeline. Bryce Harper will likely man the position throughout the remainder of his career, barring something unexpected, but it doesn’t hurt to have depth at the position.
Anthony’s elite defensive ability and consistent offensive production, while still improving at the plate, could give the Phillies their next diamond in the rough.