Three Phillies Prospects Who Could Become the Next Fan Favorites….
With the Phillies’ farm system gaining more recognition, several young prospects are on the rise, ready to capture the hearts of fans.
For nearly a decade, the Phillies struggled to develop homegrown talent. While their farm system ranked in the top 10 from 2016 to 2019, it quickly declined as top picks failed to pan out. By 2023, Baseball America ranked the system as the 19th-best in MLB, showing some improvement after dropping into the low-to-mid-20s.
A major factor in this turnaround has been Preston Mattingly, who joined the organization in 2021 as director of player development and is now the team’s vice president and general manager. Under his leadership, the Phillies’ player development efforts have improved significantly, earning praise across the league.
3 Phillies Prospects to Watch
Beyond the organization’s Top 100 prospects, the Phillies have a group of young, high-potential players who could make a significant impact. With Mattingly and his team identifying and developing talent, the next wave of promising players is taking shape.
**Jean Cabrera, RHP**
Named the Phillies’ **Pitching Prospect of the Year in 2024**, Jean Cabrera is recognized for having the **best changeup and control** among all pitchers in the team’s minor league system, per Baseball America. Signed out of Venezuela in 2021, Cabrera was unranked for years but surged to **No. 13 on MLB Pipeline’s Phillies Top 30** list in 2024.
Over 106 innings last season, the 23-year-old struck out 110 batters while posting a **3.80 ERA**. His fastball sits in the mid-90s and can touch **98 mph**, with potential to hit triple digits if he adds weight to his 145-pound frame.
Cabrera’s changeup is a devastating weapon, allowing him to attack hitters from both sides of the plate—similar to All-Stars **Cristopher Sánchez and Ranger Suárez**. He also throws a developing sweeper that could become a deceptive, horizontal-moving pitch.
With his experience in the Phillies’ farm system, Cabrera is getting closer to a big-league opportunity. While he’ll have to compete with top prospects like **Andrew Painter and Mick Abel**, his talent could earn him a role on the major league roster soon.
**Gabriel Rincones Jr., OF**
Ranked **No. 10 among Phillies prospects** by MLB Pipeline, Gabriel Rincones Jr. received a **non-roster invite** to major league spring training. Despite being just two years into his professional career, his **MLB-ready size and power** have made him an exciting prospect.
Standing at **6-foot-3 and 225 pounds**, Rincones Jr. consistently hits the ball over **105 mph** and launched **11 home runs in just 59 games** after his promotion to Reading. His **.487 slugging percentage and .843 OPS** highlight his ability to not just make contact, but drive the ball with authority.
The former **FAU standout** has the prototypical corner outfielder build, resembling former division rival **Jorge Soler**. His power alone could fast-track him to the majors, though he’ll need to refine his approach against offspeed pitches to cut down on strikeouts. If the Phillies can help him develop into a more well-rounded hitter, Rincones Jr. could become a lineup fixture for years to come.
**Griffin Burkholder, OF**
Selected in the **second round of the 2024 MLB Draft**, Griffin Burkholder was originally committed to **West Virginia** but instead signed with the Phillies for a **$2.5 million bonus**. Following their **steal of Aidan Miller** in the 2023 draft, Philadelphia may have found another gem in Burkholder.
At **19 years old**, Burkholder brings elite **70-grade speed** and was one of the **fastest players in his draft class**. With a skill set similar to **Arizona Diamondbacks’ Corbin Carroll**, he has the potential to develop power while maintaining a well-rounded offensive profile.
Burkholder wasted no time showcasing his talent, displaying his speed and raw ability in just **two at-bats** with the Clearwater Threshers in 2024. Though still years away from the big leagues, his talent and the Phillies’ renewed focus on player development could accelerate his timeline.
While Burkholder has more development ahead compared to Cabrera and Rincones Jr., his exciting athleticism makes him a prospect Phillies fans should keep an eye on.
