One of the best parts of Spring Training for Phillies fans is getting to see the next generation of potential MLB stars getting their work in and interacting with their Big League counterparts for the first time. Images like Andrew Painter chatting it up with 2008 World Series Champion Cole Hamels make everyone happy (though it may also strike fear into the opposition if Painter mastered Hamels’ 12-6 curveball).
Above the rest, one such prospect has been making his presence known the past few weeks. Enter Gabriel Rincones Jr.
The New Kid on the Block
With a camp-leading three home runs and seven RBI over 16 at-bats in nine games, Rincones has made quite the splash so far. The 24-year-old non-roster invite just celebrated his birthday on March 3rd.
The son of former Seattle Mariners minor leaguer Gabriel Rincones, Jr was drafted in the third round of the 2022 MLB Draft out of Florida Atlantic University. Following two junior college years, an increasingly popular choice among ballplayers, at St. Petersburg College, a strong junior year at FAU positioned him for a high draft position in 2022.
A left-handed bat with good power, Rincones also provides decent speed and defense sufficient enough for a corner outfield position. So far in his Minor League career, Rincones has reached AA Reading where he appeared in 59 games in 2024 while dealing with a torn ligament in his thumb.
On his Minor League career, Rincones owns an aesthetically pleasing .250 average with a .785 OPS, 26 home runs, and 92 RB over 188 games played. This year, in his first Major League camp of Spring Training, Rincones has appeared in games all but one day thus far and is in the top four in at bats. In fact, one would argue that the three players that join him in the top four are his competitors.
What does the future hold for the Phillies’ youngster?
Rincones has become a dark horse in the race for the backup outfielder position. The race for that position was primarily expected to be waged between Kody Clemens, Buddy Kennedy, and Cal Stevenson, all of whom have Major League experience. Kody Clemens likely has the lead thus far with a solid spring average of .333 across a team-leading 18 at bats, plus his additional positional value at first base.
Regardless, the newly dubbed “Uncle Rico” of the Phillies (per Alex Coffey) will almost certainly see himself on the Big League roster at some point throughout the 2025 season. Should he continue at his current pace, his first appearance just might be before April dawns.
Photo Credit: Alec Kostival
