Iron Pigs

[Phillies]

Say what you will about Keith Law, but the man is a genius.

52. Spencer Howard, RHP, Philadelphia Phillies
Age: 22 (7/28/96)
Bats: R | Throws: R
6-foot-3 | 205 pounds
Top level: A-ball | 2018 rank: Unranked

Howard was the Phillies' second-round pick in 2017, the 45th overall selection, but he has blown past almost everyone in their system to become their No. 2 prospect, even passing their 2017 first-rounder, Adam Haseley. Howard started the year with an average to above-average fastball but by midyear was sitting at 95 to 96 mph and topped out at over 98 mph at the end of the year. And his fastball really plays, because hitters don't see it well. He has a full arsenal with a plus slider that he calls a cutter as well as a solid-average changeup that he sells well out of his hand.

He was effective all year but improved as the season went on, with a 35 percent strikeout rate across his last 11 starts, roughly half his season. Howard spent all of last year in Low-A, which is a peculiar decision given how advanced he looked, how well he pitched and his experience as a college pitcher. So, the Phillies might consider bumping him to Double-A quickly, since he's already 22 and it's not as if we're waiting on him to throw harder. I hear a lot of No. 2 starter upside on him, with a high floor, and if he's throwing that hard that often, he should be able to get to the high minors soon.