Prospect Profile

Tall right-hander James McArthur is climbing the ladder toward the majors. He’s this week’s Prospect Profile.

Steve Potter, author of Phillies Minor League Digest and www.philliesbaseballfan.com, offers his views of young Phillies players. He currently provides daily minor league reports on his website.

How Obtained

James L. McArthur . . . Phillies 12th round selection (2018) out of the University of Mississippi . . . Age: 25 . . . B-T: R-R . . . Hometown: New Braunfels, TX.

This Fan’s View

Fastball has a lot of life, registers in the upper 90s; generally sits in the 93–95 range. His 6’7” height produces a pitch release point and arm angle that gets on the hitter quickly and adds deception as well as an illusion of even higher velocity. Secondary offerings are a curve and change-up. The curve ball is a plus pitch with a lot of spin and downward rotation. He finished the 2021 regular season strong with Reading by posting a 2.70 ERA in his last seven games ( 33 1/3 IP ). He also pitched in the Arizona Fall League.

2022 Projection

Should move up to the AAA level of competition and provide depth as a starter for the big club. This spring will be his first big-league camp as he was added to the 40-man roster last November. A major league debut is within reach.

“The Comeback Season”, Potter’s 6th annual Phillies Minor League Digest, is available at www.amazon.com. He captures this year’s entire minor league season which didn’t exist in 2020 because covid.