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Phillies select Tyler Spangler, a ‘total package' shortstop, in MLB draft
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- Phillies select Tyler Spangler, a ‘total package' shortstop, in MLB draft
Phillies select Tyler Spangler, a 'total package' shortstop, in MLB draft originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
The Phillies selected high school shortstop Tyler Spangler with their top pick (No. 36 overall) in the MLB draft on Saturday.
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Scouting director Brian Barber called Spangler "a total package player."
He has drawn comparisons to All-Star shortstop Corey Seager .
But Spangler, 18, comes with some fine print.
He missed his senior season at De La Salle High School in Concord, California because of a back injury.
So, the pick raises some eyebrows, especially considering that Aidan Miller, the organization's top prospect, has not played this season because of a back injury. Miller, 22, is also a shortstop. He was coming out of high school when the Phillies picked him in the first round of the 2023 draft.
Barber refused to discuss the nature of Spangler's injury, but insisted the player was healthy.
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"We did extensive medical reviews on the player and felt comfortable taking him," Barber said. "We looked at everything there is to look at there and felt completely comfortable taking him."
Barber said Spangler has been cleared medically to play. He added that he expects Spangler to see action in minor-league games this season, once the player is signed.
According to media reports, Spangler's De La Salle High School team was suspended for five games at the start of the 2026 season for a hazing incident.
The Phillies did their due diligence on the matter and "there was nothing to do with Tyler on that," Barber said.
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Barber and his staff first identified Spangler as a potential pick two years ago. Phillies scouts watched Spangler closely at the recent MLB Draft Combine and at a showcase workout at the player's high school.
Spangler is 6-3, 195 pounds. He swings from the left side. The Phillies are confident they can sign him, but they may have to go above the $2.76 million slot for the 36th overall pick because he has commitment to Stanford.
Back in the spring, Spangler was projected to go higher in the draft, but the injury and the missed senior season caused him to drop. The Phillies dropped 10 spots in the draft as a penalty for exceeding luxury tax thresholds.
"We're super excited about the opportunity to get this guy at 36," Barber said. "We see him as someone who can stay at shortstop. He's a hit-first guy now, but we think he'll grow into power. The swing and the bat path are perfect to be able to add power."
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The Phillies made four other picks Saturday:
No. 64 – Caden Bogenpohl, a 6-6, 245-pound power-hitting outfielder from Missouri State University, Ryan Howard 's alma mater.
No. 100 – Right-handed pitcher Ruger Riojas, University of Texas.
No. 128 – Deven Sheerin, a power-armed right-handed reliever from the Reading area and Louisiana State University.
No. 135 – Right-handed pitcher Jaxon Jelkin, University of Kentucky.
