Previewing the 2021 Arizona Fall League for Phillies Prospects

Phantasy Camp Phillies Spring Training
CLEARWATER, FL – FEBRUARY 16: The Phillies pitchers gather together and catch up with one with the palm trees in the background moments before the start of the Philadelphia Phillies spring training workout on February 16, 2019 at the Carpenter Complex in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire)

Let me reintroduce the Arizona Fall League.

Since 1992, the Arizona Fall League has been showcasing the top prospects of Major League teams as the leaves change colors. This would’ve been the 20th season for the AFL. Of course, the COVID-19 pandemic led to the canceling of the 2020 season.

2019 was the last time the Phillies were represented in the league. That season the Phillies sent Alec Bohm, Nick Maton, Mickey Moniak, Spencer Howard, Jojo Romero, and Connor Seabold to play for the Scottsdale Scorpions.

This season the Phillies will be sending prospects to the Peoria Javelinas. Let’s look at who’s on the roster.

Pitchers

Hans Crouse will be the only Phillie going that has more than an inning pitched as a big leaguer. He made his debut against the Pirates where he allowed a home run on the first pitch but made it the only run allowed in 3IP. Overall, he had a 5.14 ERA in 7IP.

The reason why I specified 1 inning pitched is because of Damon Jones. Jones had a single appearance, getting 1 out while allowing a hit and 2 walks. Jones has yet to figure out Triple-A as he’s had a 5.97 ERA in parts of 2 seasons.

Erik Miller is the Phillies’ top lefty pitching prospect. He didn’t see much action in 2021, prompting his assignment to the AFL. He pitched in just 12.2 innings between Rookie, A, and A+ ball.

You won’t find James McArthur’s name high on any Phillies prospect reports. The righty posted a 4.48 ERA in Double-A Reading in 2021.

Hitters

The Phillies will have 3 hitters with the team. Most notable among them is Bryson Stott. Stott might be the best prospect in the Phillies system. He hit well in 3 different levels this season. Overall, the shortstop hit .299 with good on-base skills and decent power. He represented the Phillies at the 2021 All-Star Futures Game.

Logan O’Hoppe slashed .270/.331/.458 this season at 3 different levels. The young catcher struggled at Triple-A Lehigh Valley for a handful of games. He will be just 22 years old for the 2022 season. He probably won’t see a ton of game action as the Braves’ Shea Langerliers is also on the team. He ranks as the 69th best prospect in baseball according to MLB.com.

Lasty, there is Simon Muzziotti. Like Miller, he didn’t see much action this season. He only got to play in 20 games across the minor leagues. He has one of the best hit tools in the Phillies’ system. He hit .296 in those 20 games.

Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire