Baseball America is in the midst of publishing it Top 10 prospect lists for every major league organization. The publication posted its Phillies Top 10 list Wednesday and there is a familiar name at the top: shortstop J.P. Crawford, the team's first-round draft pick in 2014. Crawford, who played at Double A and Triple A in 2016, is tops on the list for the third straight season. He could make it to the majors sometime in 2017.
Another first-round pick — centerfielder Mickey Moniak — is second on the list. The 18-year-old from southern California was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 draft. Moniak, who has added 20 pounds of muscle, was recently profiled here.
Many publications and organizations produce Top 10 prospect lists. Baseball America has always focused on youthful talent, tools and upside.
Here's BA's list of the Phillies' Top 10 prospects heading into 2017, with a note from us on each player:
1. J.P. Crawford, SS
His exceptional plate discipline impresses a front office that values that trait. If he doesn't poke his head into the majors some time in 2017, something's wrong.
2. Mickey Moniak, CF
Phillies gave him a club-record $6.1 million signing bonus. He should play in nearby Lakewood in 2017. He projects to be a level-by-level guy. If all goes well, could end up as a Steve Finley or Christian Yelich type of player.
3. Jorge Alfaro, C
Power-armed and power bat catcher. Entering a huge season as he's being asked to carry the load every day behind the plate at Triple A as the Phillies try to find out if he's their next catcher.
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4. Nick Williams, OF
An enigmatic talent. There's nothing he can't do on a baseball except lay off pitches outside the strike zone.
5. Sixto Sanchez, RHP
A young talent that has a lot of baseball people buzzing about his power, poise and pitchability on the mound.
6. Rhys Hoskins, 1B
Big right-handed bat who knows how to drive in a run — he has 206 RBIs the last two seasons.
7. Franklyn Kilome, RHP
Lanky right-handed Dominican with huge potential.
8. Roman Quinn, OF
An exciting talent with the on-base and defensive skills that the Phillies seem to value. The front office is currently debating whether to put him in the opening day lineup or pursue a veteran rightfielder. Injuries have long been a hindrance and he's got to stay healthy.
9. Scott Kingery, 2B
Dustin Pedroia-type second baseman. Heads-up player who could be the Phillies' 2B of the future. More on Kingery here.
10. Dylan Cozens, OF
Physically imposing left-handed bat. Has huge power to all fields. Led minor league baseball with 40 home runs in 2016 and was recently honored for it. Will join Hoskins and Alfaro on the Triple A cast in 2017.
Last year, BA's list of top Phillies prospects looked like this:
1. J.P. Crawford, SS
2. Nick Williams, OF
3. Jake Thompson, RHP
4. Andrew Knapp, C
5. Jorge Alfaro, C
6. Cornelius Randolph, OF
7. Franklyn Kilome, RHP
8. Roman Quinn, OF
9. Adonis Medina, RHP
10. Carlos Tocci, OF
Thompson, Alfaro and Quinn all made their major-league debuts in 2016. All three could be on the team's opening day roster in 2017.
