The MLB Amateur Draft is just over a month away, and while the Phillies are hot right now, they still have a farm system that is largely devoid of talent worthy of a competitive organization. It takes time to remedy that, but the place to start is, of course, nailing some of the top picks in the draft to bring in young prospects. There are still plenty of spots of need for the Phillies, so let’s take a look at some of the top players Dave Dombrowski and company could target in July’s draft with the #17 overall selection:

• Brandon Barriera, LHP, American Heritage HS., Florida

  Barriera is another high school pitcher, which is the blue print the Phillies have used for their past 2 first round picks in Mick Abel and Andrew Painter. The difference here is that Barriera is a lefty, and lefties have seemed to be basically nonexistent in the Phillies farm system over recent years. If the Phils continue to trust their ability to develop young high school arms, Barriera could fit nicely here.

• Chase DeLauter, OF, James Madison

  DeLauter is 20 years old, which puts him in the middle of the age range of MLB Draft players, and gives him a projectable path through the minors. The kid has hit at every level he’s played at, including in college at James Madison, and could certainly be a MLB OF one day. The Phillies will eventually need to replenish the outfield, and DeLauter could fill one of those roles.

• Zach Neto, SS, Campbell

  Playing at D1 Campbell, Neto has been a strong collegiate batter for the Camels and could end up having a plus bat for a middle infielder. The Phillies just called up Bryson Stott this season, and he could certainly be the SS of the future, but the Phils could use another middle infield prospect for sure. Neto could be that guy.

• Dylan Beavers, OF, California

  Beavers has a great name, and has shown great power during his time at Cal. It’s been a bit of a rough season this year for Beavers, but that could mean the Phillies could get him at discounted slot money potentially. He could be a prudent selection to fill the OF role that we mentioned with DeLauter.

• Kumar Rocker, RHP

  Rocker was the most intriguing prospect in last year’s draft after dominating at Vanderbilt, but he was unable to reach a contract with the New York Mets after being selected by them in the 1^st round last year. He played indy ball this year, and is draft eligible again in July as an ELITE pitching prospect. If the Phillies can do the same thing they did with Mark Appel, giving a great prospect a 2^nd chance, it could pay dividends.

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