Surprising Player Named Hottest Pitching Prospect in Philadelphia Phillies System

The Philadelphia Phillies may have a closer of the future on their hands, if MLB's rankings of the hottest pitching prospect for each organization is accurate.

The site released the list on Friday and right-handed pitcher Orion Kerkering was the selection for Philadelphia.

Kerkering is already making waves after being selected in the fifth round of last year’s draft. The University of South Florida product is pitching for the High Class-A Jersey Shore BlueClaws.

Per MLB.com:

The Phillies might have to consider promoting the 2022 fifth-rounder soon. He’s been good all year, with five saves in the early going, and the last month has been more of the same: 1.69 ERA, 0.49 WHIP, 14/2 K/BB ratio over 10 2/3 IP. For the season, he has a .078 BAA and .045 WHIP.

Through Friday’s action Kerkering was 1-0 with a 1.08 ERA in 15 games with six saves.

Kerkering started his pro career last year, splitting time after his draft selection with the Phillies Florida Coast League rookie team and with Low Class-A Clearwater. He went a combined 1-0 with a 4.50 ERA in five games. He threw seven innings and was 0-for-1 in save opportunities.

Kerkering will have more prospects joining him after the Phillies make their picks in this year’s MLB Draft from July 9-11 in Seattle. Recently, The Athletic projected the Phillies would take Florida pitcher Brandon Sproat with the No. 27 overall pick.

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