Earlier this week, the Angels designated former Phillies top prospect Scott Kingery for assignment after a challenging spring training. Struggling at the plate with a .138/.257/.172 slash line and 11 strikeouts in 29 at-bats, Kingery was unable to secure a spot on the roster.
Rather than revisiting Kingery’s career, this raises a broader question: Which failed Phillies prospect was the most disappointing for you?
Every baseball fan has a prospect they believe in—someone they follow closely, convinced that their talent will eventually translate to success. Even as struggles mount and warning signs appear, hope remains that the player will finally break through. But sometimes, reality sets in, and it becomes clear that a once-promising career will be little more than a footnote in baseball history.
For Phillies fans, recent years have provided plenty of examples. From Maikel Franco to Cornelius Randolph to Adam Haseley, expectations often fell short. Some were captivated by Dylan Cozens’ power, imagining a dominant duo alongside Rhys Hoskins. Others placed their hopes in the “Baby Aces” or former top prospect Domonic Brown, once deemed untouchable in trade talks for Roy Halladay.
Even today, there are potential letdowns on the horizon. Pitching prospects Mick Abel and Griff McGarry still have time to develop, but patience is wearing thin as they struggle in the minors.
Some prospects make it to the big leagues, while many never do. But even those who fall short leave an impact on fans who once believed in them. So, which Phillies prospect’s downfall hurt you the most? For some, it might be Jorge Alfaro, who had all the physical tools to be a star catcher—if only he could consistently hit, avoid strikeouts, and improve behind the plate.
