Philadelphia Phillies Prospect Who Made Major Leap in 2023

The Philadelphia Phillies have put much more attention and effort into building up their pipeline in recent years.

Johan Rojas was a call-up this season who has had great impact for the Phillies defensively in the outfield, earning him a prestigious franchise award.

However, he's not the only prospect who has had a great 2023 season within the organization.

Relief pitcher Orion Kerkering made a major leap this year after being selected by Philadelphia in the 2022 draft.

MLB.com writes, "College relievers taken in the fifth round of a Draft don’t typically come with big expectations, but Kerkering has done everything he can to be noticed as one of the top relief prospects in the game. He’s now finishing up his first full year of pro ball in Triple-A, pitching across four levels of the system. He brought a 1.54 ERA, .180 BAA, 0.87 WHIP, 13.3 K/9 and 14 saves with him to Triple-A Lehigh Valley and we should be seeing him pitch in high leverage situations out of the Phillies’ pen soon enough."

He's now ranked as the No. 7 prospect in the pipeline that is full of young talent.

The 22-year-old did the majority of his work this season at the High Single-A and Double-A levels.

In 42 1/3 innings pitched, he struck out 60 batters on his way to 10 saves at both levels combined.

Kerkering is an exciting prospect for the Phillies because of their shaky bullpen. It's projected that the right hander will make his debut at some point during the 2025 season, however it seems like he could be on a fast track to make the MLB.

He is a name to keep an eye on for a call-up next season, whether it's earlier or later in the year.