Don’t expect this hot-hitting Phillies prospect to make the Opening Day roster
Power-hitting outfielder Gabriel Rincones Jr. is unlikely to make his MLB debut this spring..
Many MLB players competing for bench spots showcase their skills during spring training to make Opening Day rosters. Prospects do the same, but many are viewed as long shots to make their major league debuts following the end of spring training. The Philadelphia Phillies have young players aiming to make good impressions to be called up if needed later in the season.
Gabriel Rincones Jr. is one prospect who has made the club notice him this spring. The outfielder has demonstrated his power at the plate for the Phillies. However, with the position players ahead of him, he is unlikely to make his major league debut with the organization on Opening Day.
Gabriel Rincones Jr. is not expected to debut with the Phillies on Opening Day
Rincones Jr. has an excellent 1.438 OPS and a slugging percentage of 1.000 in 13 at-bats across eight Grapefruit League games. The 24-year-old has an impressive three home runs and seven RBI in the short span and has been one of the most surprising players for the organization this spring.
However, Philadelphia has several more experienced outfielders ahead of him on their depth chart. Due to this and the Phillies not being in a rebuild, Rincones Jr. will not make the Opening Day roster.
While the club’s 10th-ranked prospect, according to MLB Pipeline, will continue to develop in the minors, an opportunity could arise for him to debut with the Phillies later in the year (subscription required), according to The Philadelphia Inquirer’s David Murphy. He could be playing well enough that the team wants to see how he does against major league pitching.
