Philadelphia Phillies Top 10 Prospects for 2017
5. Franklyn Kilome, RHP
Birthdate: 6/25/95 (21 years old)
Level(s) Played in 2016: low A
Stats in 2016: 114 2/3 IP, 3.85 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 9.98 BB%, 25.95 K%
When you cover another team, it’s considered bad form to be a fan of an opponent’s player. Yet, when I called South Atlantic League scouts for teams and independent, they all raved about Kilome, such that he was a very strong consideration as high as #3.
Kilome is a guy who is listed much differently than his true size. He’s a full 6’6″, but his listed 175 pounds is probably as much as 40 pounds under his current weight, and it is all good weight as he looks physically impressive on the mound.
The Phillies have let Kilome move slowly as he adjusts to his added musculature and, with it, added velocity. That patience was rewarded this season as things came together for Kilome, and he should explode up the system in 2017.
The Phillies have let Kilome move slowly as he adjusts to his added musculature
Kilome runs his fastball to triple digits with multiple reports from scouts of 101-102 on their guns during the year. He sits 93-96, and one scout said that number is more accurately 92-98 as he is able to add and take away velocity on his fastball very well, which is huge.
His curve is his second pitch, and he is getting on top of that pitch much more consistently, and it has really shown good depth this year, becoming a swing and miss pitch.
The change may be his third pitch, but it took a big step forward in 2016, showing above-average arm deception and the ability to generate a bunch of weak contact with the pitch, especially coming from his 6’6″ plane.
Kilome is one of a few guys in low-A ball that I could absolutely use the words “future ace” on and not blink. He has that level of upside, and he is a very, very special talent.
The Phillies will likely start Kilome at high-A, but it would not surprise me at all if he jumps up multiple levels in 2017 after getting his physicality under him in 2016.
Next: #4