Twenty three year old RHP Alex McFarlane was selected by the Phillies in the fourth round of the 2022 draft from the University of Miami.
He grew up and played baseball thru the 11th grade in the US Virgin Islands but had to transfer stateside for his senior year due to the effects hurricanes Irma and Maria had when they hit the Islands. Playing for Habersham Central High School in Mt Airy, Georgia Alex was named the team MVP and it’s best hitter. He was then drafted in the 25th round of the 2019 draft by the St. Louis Cardinals. Alex chose to attend the University of Miami instead and played there three years before being drafted by the Phillies. Noted as a big arm pitcher he struck out 120 batters in 91 innings pitched as a collegian appearing in 49 games (12 starts).
His MLB profile before the 2022 draft stated “Even though he had three years at an ACC school, McFarlane profiles more like a raw high schooler after throwing just 91 innings combined at Miami. The power stuff is plenty good enough, starting with a fastball that was up to 101 mph, though command of it was spotty. His lower arm slot has been better suited for his two-seamer, and he proved adept at getting ground-ball outs. He backs the heater up with an upper-80s slider that flashes plus, and he worked on a split-changeup as he tried to find a complete starter's arsenal.”
I first saw Alex pitch in person during 2023 spring training, he had an electric spring camp and learned how to refine his sinker - it had big time movement. I wrote this back on 2/20/23 - “Alex McFarlane had coaches, Player Development folks and his catcher oohing and awing in his side session today - he was getting really good movement and location on what I believe is a relatively updated offering for him - a two seam fastball that had both cut and sink to it. In addition he threw a four seamer, slider and changeup - easy delivery and the ball pops - impressive outing.”
That arsenal carried into the ‘23 Low A minor league season as he was a key contributor for the first half champion Clearwater Threshers. Unfortunately he later suffered an elbow injury and had Tommy John surgery in September of that year - he missed the entire 2024 season spending the year working with the rehab team in Clearwater at the complex. He finished with live bullpen sessions in September and October (we watched a couple) and is now continuing to work at the complex as part of the High Performance Camp group.
Alex is a very pleasant person, he’s always one to acknowledge you and say hello and is seemingly upbeat each and every day. He’s a very hard worker and is driven to excel. I asked Minor League Pitching Coordinator Travis Hergert about Alex going into the 2025 season and he said this “We look for Alex to bounce back from injury in a big way. He’s a dynamic athletic with big stuff. He’s worked extremely hard during rehab, not only to get healthy but come out a better version of himself. We are really excited for him this coming season!”
I asked Alex a few questions last evening - here is our interaction.
First of all, how are you feeling health wise ?
“I’m feeling good and strong after recovering from surgery.”
What is the planned timeline - will you be in spring camp competing for a roster spot or is there still rehab work to be done?
“I haven’t gotten any specifics on that because we haven’t discussed next year’s plan but I would shoot for being ready for spring training.”
You’re always pleasant and upbeat whenever I see you - how has the daily grind of rehab work tested your spirit the past year?
“It’s been all about keeping a positive mindset throughout it. It’s a long grind so I had to make the best of each day.”
Often times this past summer you were in the stands watching the Threshers play - seems like you truly enjoy being in and around the game - has that always been the case?
“I’ve always enjoyed watching baseball, it’s never a dull time supporting my teammates out there.”
I remember you adding a “new” sinker to your arsenal back in 2023 which had tremendous movement and bite - is it still in the mix - what other pitches do you throw?
“Yes it is, I throw fastball, sinker, slider, splitter.”
You grew up in the Virgin Islands - what was your exposure to baseball as a youngster? Were you always a pitcher?
“Growing up in the USVI I was exposed to a very passionate baseball culture that not a lot of people would think is down there. A lot of league play and not so much high school baseball. I wasn’t always a pitcher, I played center field.”
You came to the states for your senior year in high school and then pitched for the University of Miami - what were those experiences like?
“I came to the states my senior year after hurricane Irma and Maria destroyed my island. I made the decision to come up a year after the storm made landfall. It was a good experience pitching in Georgia. It was a bit different style of baseball but I gained a lot of necessary experience to prepare me for college. University of Miami, for me, was a great experience, it taught me a lot about the mental side of the game.”
Goals for 2025 ?
“Goals for 2025 is to play and work to the best of my ability. The entire rehab staff stood out this past year in helping me get through the TJ process.”
Thanks to Alex and Coach Hergert for taking the time to answer my inquiries. I believe that Alex will hit the ground running this spring and be a significant contributor to wherever he is assigned. Another good person who is easy to root for and we do!
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
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