The 2023 Minor League season has come to an end to all the Phillies affiliates. Throughout the next couple of days, we will recap each of the Phillies four affiliates. We will highlight some of the players on the roster and their future for the Phillies.
We are going to start with the Phillies Low-A affiliate, the Clearwater Threshers. Without question, the Threshers were the Phillies top minor league team. The Threshers fell to the Jupiter Hammerheads in the Florida State League Championship. This marked the first appearance in the championship game for the Threshers. Even though the season did not end with a championship, the appearance in the championship game shows you the talent the Phillies have for the future!
Throughout the season the Threshers were not just one of the best Low-A clubs but held one of the best records in all of Minor League Baseball regardless of level. It was no surprise that we saw many members of the Threshers get promotions throughout the season. Orion Kerkering began the season in Low-A, and just last night made his MLB debut. For a majority of the season, Justin Crawford was the top hitter for the Threshers before he was promoted to High-A. With each promotion, the Threshers never missed a beat. They continued to have the best record in Minor League Baseball.
Justin Crawford ended the season with High-A Jersey Shore, but he spent a majority of the season with Clearwater. The Phillies 3rd rated prospect's season was one of the best for a Phillies minor leaguer. He was named the Florida State League MVP and made the All-star game. Crawford is the son of former MLB all-star Carl Crawford, also made an appearance in the 2023 MLB Futures Game where he added an RBI in the NL's victory over the AL. Crawford ended the season by being named one of the Top 100 prospects in the MLB. Crawford a top tier hitter deserved the promotion to High-A. He has a strong chance to start 2024 in AA and could be a Phillies by the end of 2024 or 2025.
The Phillies 1st round draft pick this season Aidan Miller was a quick promotion to Low-A and made an impact right away for the Threshers. He appeared in 10 games this season and he added 8 hits with 4 runs. The Phillies 4th rated prospect will more than likely be back with the club next season and will look to continue to produce at Low-A. 9 of his starts came at SS and he had a field percentage of .923 in 2023. The Phillies have struggled defensively, Miller is a bright light for the future in the field.
Danny Wilkinson was one of the top pitchers for the Threshers this season. A back-end reliever led the team (both starters and relievers) with 106 strikeouts this season. He was 6-0 this season with a 4.45 ERA. The Phillies have a lot of promising pitching talent in their farm system. After a strong 2023, Wilkinson could be an under the radar player for the Phillies. He is currently not a top 30 prospect, but keep an eye on him heading into 2024.
18-year-old William Bergolla is already the Phillies 10th rated prospect and had a strong 2023 with the Threshers. He batted .255 with 49 hits this season. One of the biggest International Free Agent Signings for the Phillies in 2022. He progressed so much throughout the season. With him being so young, in a few years he can be a household name for the Phillies.
The Threshers had a very strong 2023 campaign. With many future star Phillies getting promotions and continuing to show the depth within the farm system.
-Adam Mack (@AdammackMLB)