The 2026 MLB Draft has added a new name to the Tampa Bay Rays’ list of promising arms, as right‑handed pitcher Amp Phillips was selected in the fifteenth round on Tuesday night.
A Season of Milestones
Hailing from Lancaster, South Carolina, Phillips brings a blend of size and poise that caught the eye of scouts throughout the SEC. At the University of South Carolina he logged 14 starts this season, delivering 71 strikeouts over 67.2 innings while maintaining a 4.39 earned run average.
His most memorable outing came against Missouri, where he fanned ten batters in a single game, a performance that earned him the conference’s Pitcher of the Week honor. He also limited Navy to a single hit over six innings and struck out nine against Georgia, underscoring his ability to dominate across the schedule.
Beyond the numbers, Phillips posted a 3‑0 record and held opponents to a .235 batting average, showing that his impact extended beyond strikeouts. The consistency he displayed throughout the season positioned him as one of the more reliable collegiate prospects heading into the draft.
The Rays’ decision to invest a fifteenth‑round pick reflects a strategic focus on acquiring high‑upside talent with proven collegiate experience. With a track record that includes multiple SEC accolades, Phillips is expected to move quickly through the organization’s development pipeline.