Phillies Predicted to Replace Brandon Marsh With Young Award Winnner

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jon Conahan | Last updated Jul 11, 2025 5:40 PM ET

Much of the talk surrounding the Philadelphia Phillies over the past few weeks has been centered around what they might do during the trade deadline.

However, the Phillies also have some other important decisions to make, with the 2025 MLB draft next week.

Given that the draft will allow the Phillies an opportunity to improve their roster, they should be heavily focusing on this, despite being a contending team right now.

The Phillies' farm system is one of the best in Major League Baseball, but that doesn't mean it can't improve. With the No. 26 pick, the Phillies will have an excellent chance to take a player they love.

That player likely won't make their debut for a very long time, but regardless, the Phillies should be able to find someone with enormous talent.

When searching for who that might be, USA Today recently linked them to an intriguing name in the form of Slater de Brun, a high school player out of Oregon.

“The run of late-round high school players takes a few Philly targets off the board but they can still fulfill their prep preference with de Brun, a potential center fielder of the future whose speed will likely always trump his power,” they wrote.

De Brun has been linked to multiple teams in the 20s over the past few months, so it remains uncertain if the Phillies will have an opportunity to draft him.

There's reason to believe he could fall to No. 26, but he's also committed to Vanderbilt, and the further he drops, the better chance of him honoring his commitment to the Commodores.

The Phillies would likely understand that before selecting him, but it's something they have to factor in here.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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