Philadelphia Phillies Breakout MLB Prospects Entering 2024

Breakout Prospects

Devin Saltiban, SS

Preseason rank: 12
BA Grade: 50. Risk: Extreme.

TRACK RECORD: Saltiban was the highest-rated Hawaiian prospect in the class and began opening the eyes of evaluators during his draft spring after showing an impressive set of tools. The Phillies drafted him in the third round and signed him away from a commitment to Hawaii with a bonus of $602,500. The selection came with a twist. As an amateur, Saltiban was an outfielder, but Phillies crosschecker Shane Bowers saw him taking grounders before a game and believed he had the chops to handle the position as a pro. He got into 10 games in the Florida Complex League.

SCOUTING REPORT: Saltiban has a smooth, simple swing that the Phillies believe should produce a combination of average and power, and noted that his amateur exit velocities were better than average for the typical 18-year-old. The biggest caveat is that he hasn’t had much experience against the type of high-velocity fastballs he’ll see in pro ball. He has plenty of bat speed, however, which should help him get to 55-grade power. Saltiban’s last experience at shortstop came when he was in Little League, so his development at the position might take a bit of patience. In a system with Trea Turner in the big leagues and a host of prospects already at the position, he’ll have plenty of leash to develop. Saltiban earns above-average marks for his speed and throwing arm.

THE FUTURE: Saltiban should reach Low-A in 2024, depending on how the team deploys the rest of its young middle infielders. He’s a risky prospect who could provide plenty of value one day.

Scouting Grades
Hitting: 50. Power: 55. Run: 55. Fielding: 50. Arm: 55.

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TJayy Walton, OF

Preseason rank: 13
BA Grade: 50. Risk: Extreme.

TRACK RECORD: Walton missed much of the 2022 showcase circuit with an arm injury but rebounded enough the following spring to become the Phillies’ fourth-round pick in 2023. He was taken out of Florida’s powerhouse IMG Academy, then was signed for $499,100 to lure him away from a commitment to Miami. Before transferring to IMG, Walton was a two-sport athlete at Greensville County High in Virginia, where he also played basketball. He got a quick look in the Florida Complex League after signing and went 5-for-13 in five games with three extra-base hits.

SCOUTING REPORT: Walton was IMG’s leading hitter in 2023, and slashed 473/.526/.770 with six home runs and more walks than strikeouts. He has a flat swing geared for line drives, but the Phillies believe he’ll ultimately have a power-over-hit profile when he adds more loft to his cut and taps into a body that already looks like a slugger’s frame and has produced exit velocities in excess of 110 mph. He’s an above-average runner, though he could slow down as he fills out, and has above-average arm strength. Those traits, combined with the power the team believes will blossom, should lead him to a future as an average defender in an outfield corner, likely right field. 

THE FUTURE: Walton should see Low-A Clearwater at some point during 2024, if not on Opening Day. If the expected power begins to show up, he’ll begin on a path toward a classic corner outfield masher.

Scouting Grades
Hitting: 50. Power: 60. Run: 50. Fielding: 50. Arm: 55.

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Kehden Hettiger, C

Preseason rank: 21
BA Grade: 50. Risk: Extreme.

TRACK RECORD: Hettiger was the Phillies’ 11th-round pick in 2023 but earned the fourth-highest bonus in the class at $397,500. The California prep product opened evaluators’ eyes during a brief look in the Florida Complex League. He added strength between his junior and senior seasons in high school and showed big-time power gains, which elevated his draft stock.

SCOUTING REPORT: Hettiger sticks out because of a well-rounded set of tools both offensively and defensively. He has a flexible body with plenty of athleticism and average arm strength that should allow him to stick behind the plate. In the box he shows a wider stance with plenty of separation that helps create a whippy, powerful swing. He projects as an average hitter who has above-average power now and a chance for more thanks to remaining projection in his frame. There’s a couple of mechanical issues in his swing that could be smoothed out as he moves up the ladder.

THE FUTURE: Hettiger impressed evaluators both internally and externally with his defense and now has a better chance than expected to stick at catcher. He’ll open 2023 at Low-A Clearwater.

Scouting Grades
Hitting: 50. Power: 55. Run: 40. Fielding: 55. Arm: 50.