Prospect Nation 2016: #7 OF Cornelius Randolph
Selected with the 10th overall pick in last year’s draft as a shortstop out of Griffin High School in Georgia, Cornelius Randolph quickly placed among the Phillies’ top prospect rankings across many outlets.
In his senior season, Randolph drew loads of attention from pro clubs, posting great offensive numbers with a .533 average, seven home runs, 33 RBI and a 1.631 OPS in 26 games, leading his team into the state tournament.
Listed at five-foot-11, 205-pounds, the 18-year-old had a tremendous professional debut in 2015, posting a .302/.425/.442 slash line in 53 games for the rookie level Gulf Coast League Phillies.
Touted by scouting director Johnny Almaraz as the top high school bat in the country last year, the Phillies were very happy with their selection. Armed with a quick bat, the lefty batting Randolph has the ability to hit for average as well as power. A Clemson recruit out of high school, he is described as a patient hitter that has a good approach at the plate.
Defensively, Randolph was quickly converted to left field, where he played 41 pro games without an error, by the Phils. He sports a strong arm and is athletic enough to display quality range in the outfield. With the offensive potential that comes with Randolph, the organization will definitely find a suitable place for him to play no matter what.
The Phillies had long scouted Randolph, holding a private workout with the youngster prior to the draft. His bat was building quite a reputation before signing his first professional deal, even drawing an occasional comparison to MLB legend Tony Gwynn Sr.
It is possible that at such a young age (he turns 19 in June), Randolph could still have some time to grow physically.
It’ll be at least a few years before Randolph reaches the upper levels of the sport, but once he does, he is expected to be a buzz name that will help the big league team in a significant way when the time is right.
Follow this year’s full prospect countdown by clicking this link.
