2022 Phillies Mid-Season Prospect Rankings - AAA

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs have, shockingly, held control of the International League's East Division at parts of this season, including in recent weeks. In fact, they are, at the time of this post being written, tied with Durham and Jacksonville for 1st with at 54-45 record. This is thanks to combined production from prospects on both sides of the ball. Here are the best prospects in the Phillies system that have topped out in AAA this season (or been on Lehigh's 60-day IL).

Donny Sands
Hans Crouse
Michael Plassmeyer
Daniel Brito*
Kent Emanuel
Tyler Cyr
Zach Warren
Colton Eastman
Jakob Hernandez
Will Toffey
Scott Moss*
Ricardo Sánchez
Braeden Ogle
Dalton Guthrie
Dustin Peterson

I figured 10th was an aggressive ranking for Sands at this level when the season started, but he's more than validated that spot. He's jumped Brito, Eastman, and Scott Moss amongst players who have stayed at this level and now ranks above Crouse as well, who would have been above him when the season started. He's hit especially for average this season, slashing .344/.451/.497 at the break. Plassmeyer is another interesting name, and he's the highest-ranked newcomer for Lehigh. Coming over from the PCL's Sacramento River Cats, Plassmeyer rebounded for a 2.28 ERA in five starts for Lehigh Valley before the break. Keep an eye on Toffey, who actually went unranked on my pre-season list and now sits 10th for Lehigh. He finished the first half with 19 doubles and 26 total XBH in just 61 contests and also stole 9 bases. Toffey could be a worthwhile platoon option to watch as the season goes on and the next one starts.

2022 Phillies Prospect Rankings - AAA

As isn't exactly surprising in regards to my approach, I have a lot of players who topped out at AAA listed simply due to proximity to the Major Leagues. Now that the Minors seasons have started, some movement has occurred, but I will evaluate these prospects as I would have if I had evaluated them before the season. There are a lot of names I put on this list, so let's break them up.

The big three:

1. Bryson Stott
2. Logan O'Hoppe
3. Simon Muzziotti

Stott clearly stands out as the best prospect of this group, and I would put him 1st overall in the organization for his well-rounded hitting ability and talents on the infield. O'Hoppe does not have a clear path to playing time with J.T. Realmuto entrenched in Philadelphia, but a breakout 2021 certainly boosted his stock. Muzziotti, meanwhile, has already been pressed into service in the Majors, but hopefully will get consistent ABs when he comes back (he's likely slated for AA to start off, like O'Hoppe).

The pitchers:

4. Colton Eastman
6. Josh Hendrickson
7. Brian Marconi
8. Braden Zarbnisky - two-way player who hit AAA in pro debut season. SB talent, played LF as recently as 2020.
9. Scott Moss

Eastman is a likely candidate to step into the rotation should the Phillies need to turn to a non-roster type, though he needs to tone down on the walks. Hendrickson starts out in AA, but after a breakout first full professional campaign he could be knocking on the door in no time. The same could be said for the trio of Marconi, Zarbnisky, and Moss, all likely relievers. The former two were breakout arms last season and start in AA, while Moss is a former (and perhaps also current) starter who struggled in 2021 after a dominant 2019. His big strikeout rates could make him a decent bullpen arm when he is healthy.

The best of the rest:

5. Daniel Brito
10. Donny Sands - trade acquisition from NYY. Converted C with power; defensive ratings mixed (cut down passed balls by 80% since 2017, over half since 2019.)
11. James Marvel
12. Francisco Morales
13. Darick Hall
14. Kyle Glogoski 

Brito is naturally a tough player to rank coming back from his stroke last season, but the 2021 breakout case is still one to watch thanks to his versatility and growing power. Sands, brought over from the Yankees, is a converted infielder who has improved rapidly as a catcher though his Minors climb and offers impressive power potential. Outside of the top 10 there is a bit off a drop off. Marvel is a former top performer in the Pirates system who is a darkhorse candidate to aid in Philadelphia this season. The rest are formerly well-lauded prospects who are in make-or-break seasons.