Breaking: Preston Mattingly Shines Spotlight on Under-the-Radar Phillies Prospects

In September of 2021, Preston Mattingly was hired to oversee the player development side of the Phillies organization. Over the last three years, Philadelphia’s farm system has improved. Several of the organization’s top prospects have received national recognition as top prospects in baseball. While Mattingly hasn’t led the charge all by himself, he’s played a role in the positive growth of the club’s minor-league system.

In a recent appearance on “The Phillies Show”, Mattingly answered questions from hosts Ruben Amaro Jr., Jim Salisbury and Todd Zolecki.

He discussed pitchers Andrew Painter, Mick Abel and Griff McGarry. Infielder Aidan Miller and outfielder Justin Crawford were talked about, too. Those aren’t the only guys Mattingly spoke about. He also offered insight on some of the Phillies’ lesser-known minor leaguers, players Mattingly thinks have gone under the radar.

The final question Mattingly fielded was specifically about who he would categorize as an under-the-radar player in the Phillies’ farm system. He named one outfielder, Gabriel Rincones Jr., and one infielder, Aroon Escobar.

“I think he’s an under-the-radar guy,” Mattingly said about Rincones. “From the simple standpoint of he’s going to have top-of-the-scale power, he’s a better defender than people think, he’s maybe one our best baserunners and he controls the zone really well.”

The Phillies drafted Rincones in the third round of the 2022 draft out of Florida Atlantic University. Across both levels of A-ball in 2023, Rincones, a left-handed hitter, hit .248 with a .778 OPS. He showed off his power, tallying 31 doubles and 15 homers. Rincones showed an ability to draw walks. He also had a propensity to strike out.

A torn ligament in his right thumb limited him to 68 minor-league games this past season, but Rincones continued to show promise. With most of his playing time coming at Double-A, he hit .252 with an .800 OPS. His walk (11.6%) and strikeout rates (25.2%) were nearly identical to his 2023 totals.

On what Rincones is right now, and could become, Mattingly said: “I think he’s a better hitter than this, but [he’s] the three true outcome guy who gets on base, has real power, and to me, has the ability to play at least average to maybe a tick above average major-league corner outfield.”

Mattingly thinks Rincones will be able to help in more ways than one in the majors. “He’s going to be a quality baserunner,” he said. “He’ll get you 20 to 25 [steals] just off instincts alone. And I personally still think there’s a good enough hitter in there where he’s not one of those low-average type guys.”

When could we see Rincones at the big-league level? “I think he’s got a chance to impact the major leagues here coming soon if he continues to progress,” Mattingly said.