Prospect Watch: Phillies pitcher Jake Kinney (Video)

Philadelphia Phillies’ Jake Kinney is a prospect you should keep your eye on in the future. Kinney was drafted out of Tallahassee Community College by the Phillies in the 33rd round of the 2018 MLB Draft.

“I was speaking with the Orioles and D-backs, but the Phillies swooped in and got me,” Kinney explained. “The Phillies were on me but not as much as other teams like the Orioles so I was pleasantly surprised when the Phillies picked me.”

He transferred to TCC after one season at Florida Southern College. The right-handed relief pitcher stands at 6’7, 235.

“My height helps me throw a fastball a bit different than most people, but I’m working on getting in the weight room and improving my strength and range of motion,” Kinney tells me.

Kinney currently throws a four seam fastball, slider and tells me he is working on a change-up. Kinney also tells me he is pretty fastball heavy with his pitch selection and likes to work in as well as up in the zone.

Kinney has pitched in five games for the rookie league GCL Phillies. So far, he is yet to allow a run and opponents are hitting .095 off of him in six innings of relief.

“Things are living up to expectations, I was expecting the coaching to be at the professional level and all the facilities to get you better day in and day out,” Kinney said on his expectations of professional baseball.

Kinney says he has learned a lot more things since his entrance to professional ball.

“Don’t let a bad outing get to you. Just try and stay calm and work through things. You gotta take every little lesson as it comes.”

Jake Kinney is definitely a prospect to look out for in the Phillies organization, so look out Phils fans.

Check out my full interview with Jake Kinney here: