The Philadelphia Phillies, recognized as one of the premier teams in Major League Baseball in recent years, often find themselves waiting for their first-round draft selections due to their competitive success. As a team focused on winning now, they are less reliant on building through the draft, instead utilizing free agency to enhance their roster. However, the significance of the draft remains evident when examining the current squad and prospect pipeline.
Key first-round picks such as Alec Bohm and Bryson Stott have established themselves as integral parts of the everyday lineup. Additionally, promising talents like Mick Abel and Andrew Painter could potentially join the starting rotation this season, while future stars Justin Crawford and Aidan Miller have emerged as valuable prospects with trade value.
Looking ahead to the 2025 Major League Baseball Draft, with their 26th overall pick, the Phillies may very well be in search of a player who can further strengthen their championship aspirations. Joel Reuter from Bleacher Report has suggested that the team could choose University of North Carolina catcher Luke Stevenson, a candidate who might eventually fill the role of starting catcher, particularly as respected veteran J.T. Realmuto approaches free agency.
Reuter highlights Stevenson as a leading contender to be the first catcher selected in the draft if Ike Irish transitions to the outfield. Competing with him is Coastal Carolina’s Caden Bodine. Though the Phillies have Eduardo Tait as a catching prospect, the team can never have too much depth in a crucial position. Stevenson boasts impressive statistics, including a .977 OPS with 18 home runs and 53 RBIs over 58 games this season.
Standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 210 pounds, Stevenson’s physical attributes make him an enticing option for the Phillies. His strong left-handed swing combined with a robust arm makes him well-suited for the demands of the catcher position. Given how quickly college players tend to ascend through the minor leagues, selecting Stevenson could be ideal for the Phillies, especially if they need a replacement for Realmuto.
While mock drafts are speculative at best, choosing a player like Stevenson seems like a strategic move for the Phillies as they aim to maintain their competitiveness in the league. This potential selection reflects the organization’s commitment to sustaining a robust roster for future title runs.