PHILS PROSPECT PROFILE: LHP Rafael Marcano
LHP Rafael Marcano — 23 years old — signed as an international free agent 4/25/18 — Punta Cardon, Venezuela
By Steve Potter
2023 Stats : appeared in 23 games (20 starts) for High A Jersey Shore posting a 3.95 ERA in 93.1 IP with 97 strikeouts and 42 walks. He had a 1.36 WHIP averaging 16.16 pitches per innings pitched with a 62 % strike ratio. It was his second stint with the BlueClaws as he made 10 starts for them in 2022. Had an outstanding month of August this year winning the organization’s pitcher of the month award — a 1.27 ERA in four starts (21.1 IP) with 24 strikeouts and 7 walks, a 1.03 WHIP — opponents hit just .203 against him in the four games. Made his first playoff appearance as well starting the 9/15/23 game versus Hudson Valley.
2023 Notes : uses a five pitch mix — four seam fastball, sinker, cutter, slider & changeup — he’s comparable in style, delivery and competitiveness to Ranger Suarez. Rafael threw more innings this season than any other to date in his career. Fastballs are in a range of 90 to 94 mph — max 95. Has a fun spirit and welcoming personality, is a popular teammate. No situation too big for him to handle, smooth repeatable delivery. Two solid secondary offerings. Had a good season showing the ability to pitch every week in the rotation, excelled in August.
Rafael’s reflections : “2023 was a season of good learning, I learned to know myself much more when I am pitching, for 2024 I will improve on everything to move forward.”
Jersey Shore Pitching Coach Phil Cundari : “Had quite a year, pitcher of the month in August. Made big strides developing his pitches and becoming more of a strike thrower over the course of the year, enabled him to go deeper in games. Learned to sequence pitches, four seamer, sinker, cutter, changeup and slider. Really progressed with his changeup — was remarkable the way it advanced over the season. Brady (Brady Lail — JS assistant pitching coach) worked really well with him. Has a gritty personality who competes very well. With a bit more consistent velocity on fastball, can become really good every time out, just a tick, if can sit in the 91–93 range with the fastball coupled with his repertoire can pitch well at upper levels. He’s committed this off-season to getting stronger to do so.”
2024 Projection : likely part of the opening day rotation at AA level Reading.
(Steve Potter is the author of www.philliesbaseballfan.com. Residing in Clearwater, Steve follows the Phillies minor leagues in person at Carpenter Complex, BayCare Ballpark or via MiLB.com game videos. Nobody is as dedicated, thorough and knowledgeable).
