Cole Phillips Stats & Scouting Report College Baseball, MLB Draft, Prospects

BA Grade/Risk: 50/Extreme

Track Record: Phillips was one of the most prominent helium prospects in the 2022 draft class during the spring after he showed increased physicality and velocity that boosted his draft stock into first round territory. That helium deflated a bit after Tommy John surgery ended his season, but the Braves still signed him for $1.5 million in the second round.

Scouting Report: After pitching in the low 90s during the 2021 summer, Phillips was routinely in the mid 90s and touching upper-90s velocity during the 2022 spring before his injury. That improved power translated to his breaking ball as well--a mid-80s slider with traditional downward, three-quarters bite that was sharp and late, giving him an above-average secondary. Phillips also flashed a firm, mid-to-upper-80s changeup that looks like a serviceable third pitch, though he rarely needed to use it against his high school competition. Phillips still needed to sharpen his command, but his control around the zone was also improved in the spring, and he earned comparisons with Rays righthander Shane Baz thanks to his frame and the shape of his fastball/slider combination. He showed a clean and loose delivery and should have more than enough athleticism and control to begin his pro career as a starter.

The Future: Phillips spent the offseason rehabbing, but the Braves think he has a chance to start pitching at some point in the second half of the 2023 season.

Scouting Grades: Fastball: 70. Slider: 55. Changeup: 45. Control: 55.

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