With the 116th pick in the 2020 MLB draft, the Phillies select Carson Ragsdale, a right-handed pitcher out of the University of South Florida. The Phillies have now selected a high school pitcher in Mick Abel, a college shortstop in Casey Martin and Ragsdale, a college pitcher, with their first three picks of this year’s draft.
Ragsdale, who stands at a towering 6 feet 8 inches, missed all of the 2019 season due to Tommy John surgery. He spent the totality of his college career as a relief pitcher until 2020, when all four of his appearances came as a starter.
In his four starts this season, Ragsdale racked up 37 strikeouts in 19 innings of work. His repertoire consists of a fastball that sits 91-95 mph and a big curveball as his best secondary pitch. During his college career, Ragsdale pitched to a 3.71 ERA in 50.1 innings of work.
Because of his big frame, Ragsdale is seen as someone who could continue to build his velocity. He may end up as a reliever long-term, but still has some starter potential.