Phillies Prospects Who Can Still Make an MLB Impact in 2024
The Philadelphia Phillies have a roster full of established veterans and have done a solid job avoiding injuries so far this season, so there have not been many opportunities for any of the club's top prospects to make their mark.
However, that could change as the season wears on, and there are a handful of prospects in the upper levels of the minors who could be called on whether it's in a supporting role or stepping into an opportunity created by injury.
Ahead, we've highlighted three prospects who can still make an MLB impact in 2024, focusing solely on players who have not yet appeared in the majors this year.
RHP Michael Mercado
A second-round pick in 2017 by the Tampa Bay Rays who was signed to an above-slot $2.1 million bonus, Michael Mercado went almost three years between professional appearances as a result of Tommy John surgery costing him much of 2018 and all of 2019, and then the pandemic wiping out the 2020 minor league season.
The Phillies acquired him last November in exchange for pitcher Adam Leverett and cash considerations, and he is making a strong case for his first MLB action pitching for Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
Still only 25 years old, he has a 1.31 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 38 strikeouts in 41.1 innings spanning nine starts and four relief appearances, and he could serve as a multi-inning weapon out of the bullpen at some point in the second half.
OF Simon Muzziotti
Outfielder Simon Muzziotti was a Top 10 prospect in the Phillies system prior to the 2021 (No. 8), 2022 (No. 10) and 2023 (No. 8) seasons, but a partially torn patellar tendon prematurely ended his 2022 campaign.
He hit .296/.358/.404 with 33 extra-base hits and 26 steals in 124 games at Triple-A last season, but he was designated for assignment in February and removed from the 40-man roster after he cleared waivers.
Off to a slow start back at Triple-A this year, he still represents one of the more MLB-ready outfield options in the organization should they need reinforcements at any point.
RHP Griff McGarry
Right-hander Griff McGarry began the 2023 season as the No. 3 prospect in the Phillies system after racking up 130 strikeouts in 87.1 innings across three minor league levels the previous year.
With a fastball that touches 99 mph and a wipeout slider, he has some of the best pure stuff in the organization, but he has struggled to consistently throw strikes throughout his career dating back to his time at the University of Virginia.
After years of trying to develop him as a starter, the Phillies have finally shifted him to the bullpen this year and he has a 3.57 ERA and 25 strikeouts in 17.2 innings at Triple-A, albeit also with 15 walks.
Still, with his stuff, he could be one strong stretch of appearances away from getting his first MLB call-up.