Under the Radar Prospects: Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies are the subject of this week’s installment of Under the Radar Prospects

The Philadelphia Phillies are the subject of this week’s installment of Under the Radar Prospects in which five players from a team’s system are identified as players to be on the lookout for. Among the five players this week, an infielder seeking to be the first New Zealander to reach the big leagues, a toolsy outfielder with blazing speed, two southpaws that have been able to easily strikeout opposing hitters, and a right-handed pitcher that was once among the top high school arms in the country.

Nikau Pouaka-Grego, INF - Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies picked up Nikau Pouaka-Grego during the 2022 international signing period. He then went on to made his professional debut in the complex league and hit .301/.424/.466 with three home runs and two stolen bases over 35 games with an equal 12.8% walk and strikeout rate. The 19-year-old is looking to become the first player born in New Zealand to reach the big leagues and was set to represent his home country during the 2023 World Baseball Classic — unfortunately, Pouaka-Grego tore his ACL late in 2022 and would miss the entire 2023 campaign.

Healthy once again, Pouaka-Grego is currently in Single-A and excelling, hitting .327/.407/.481 without a home run or stolen base over 60 plate appearances. Pouaka-Grego has minimal power, but a hit tool with 70-grade potential. His contact heavy approach and ability to stay up in the middle on defense give him a chance as a utility guy or bench player in the big leagues some day.

Mavis Graves, LHP - Philadelphia Phillies

Southpaw Mavis Graves was taken in the 6th round of the 2022 draft by the Phillies. At the time, Graves was among the best high school pitchers in the country and scouts were enamored with the projectability he presented. Currently sporting a low 90’s fastball, some scouts believe that he’ll be able to get to more velo in the future.