The Philadelphia Phillies hold the 26th overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, presenting an important opportunity to bolster their roster with promising young talent. With Zack Wheeler signaling his intention to retire after the 2027 season, the Phillies are looking ahead to find a long-term replacement, and Matthew Fisher has emerged as a top prospect to fill that role.
Philadelphia’s front office remains committed to sustaining excellence by combining strong spending power with a consistently improving farm system. The Phillies currently have one of baseball’s better minor league systems, forming the foundation for future success and providing a steady stream of talent for the major league roster.
Matthew Fisher: A High School Standout on Philadelphia’s Radar
Matthew Fisher, a right-handed pitcher and versatile infielder, has drawn attention after an impressive spring performance. Observers like those at The Athletic predict that Fisher may be the Phillies’ choice with their first–round pick. The team has favored selecting high school players who fit their mold—either versatile infielders or powerful pitchers with strong fundamentals—and Fisher aligns well with this approach.
Under scouting director Brian Barber, the Phillies have consistently targeted young players who can develop valuable skills over time. Fisher, a two-sport athlete with notable pitching mechanics and raw talent, matches many key criteria the Phillies prioritize in their selections.
Analysis of Phillies’ Draft Strategy and Other Prospects
Keith Law, writing for The Athletic, highlighted some recent draft moves and prospects related to the Phillies, commenting,
“They did go way off the board last year with their first-rounder, centerfielder Dante Nori, who is currently struggling in Low A. I’ve gotten the consistent sense in the last month that high school lefty Jack Bauer, who has hit 102 mph this spring, is no longer likely to go in the first round as his control and his slider have both backed up, but if anyone does take Bauer in the first anyway it would be the Phillies. I could see them on shortstop/pitcher Josh Hammond as well,”
While Josh Hammond is currently ranked 77th overall by Perfect Game, selecting him at 26th overall could be seen as a reach. However, the Phillies appear willing to prioritize their own evaluations and potential fits over strict rankings, focusing on players who best meet their organizational needs.
Preparing for Future Transitions in the Phillies Roster
With Zack Wheeler’s anticipated retirement date set after the 2027 season, the Phillies are laying groundwork to seamlessly transition by identifying Fisher as a potential long-term replacement. This forward-looking approach signals the team’s dedication to maintaining competitive pitching depth and organizational stability for years to come.