Post-Hype Player to Watch: Roman Quinn, OF, Philadelphia Phillies

I really can’t describe Roman Quinn’s injury problem any better than John did in his 2018 Philadelphia Phillies Top 20.

“Out of a horror movie.” And not a cerebral headache like The Witch, but actually scary like The Conjuring.

You feel for any player who gets hurt, but the lightning fast Phillies prospect has just not been able to stay on the field at all in his pro career. Over those seven years —Quinn was a second round pick in 2011 out of the Florida prep ranks— he has played 80 games in a season just once, hitting 70 just thrice.

Having yet to finish a season unhindered, his medical report has included strained obliques, strained quadriceps, an Achilles injury, a fractured wrist and last season his an elbow injury cost him time.

Never a top prospect, the now 24-year old (25 next month) has garnered national recognition due to his unparalleled speed many times, but hope for his MLB future dwindles every time he hits the disabled list.

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Drafted as a shortstop, Quinn doubled as a center fielder in his third pro season before permanently moving to the outfield in 2015.

The shine has worn off on his name as a prospect, but it is simply impossible to ignore his game-changing speed. The similarities to Billy Hamilton, both with his legs and defensive positioning, are easy to make.

In 407 minor league games, Quinn has swiped 173 bases. That’s a stolen base almost every two games. Despite never topping 88 games in a season, he has stolen 30 or more bags in a year five times in his career, including his first three pro seasons and last in 2016, when he also made his MLB debut.

In 15 games with the big league club, he stole five bases. Additionally, he flashed his other tools, amassing four doubles, six RBI and eight walks.

The injury problem looks like it may never be solved, and of course I am speculating with this article that it will mercifully subside and allow Quinn to fully test his amazing speed in the majors.

A mere six games have passed this season for Triple-A Lehigh Valley, Quinn’s second season with the club, and he already has four steals. It is obviously early, but the Phillies are becoming potential contenders and having a guy like Quinn on the bench, even used sparingly, especially in the National League, could make a huge difference.

Because of his debut in 2016, coming straight from Double-A Reading, Quinn is indeed on the 40-man roster. His return to the bigs is just a phone call away, and if he can manage to stay healthy, it will soon be a reality.