Phillies Top 30 Prospects No. 18: James Tallon Fools With His Fastball

This is the thirteenth in a series of stories breaking down the Philadelphia Phillies’ Top 30 prospects heading into 2026.

Another 2025 draft pick joins the rankings in left-handed pitcher James Tallon, a sixth round selection out of Duke. Tallon’s next pitching appearance will mark his professional debut. A reliever and spot starter/opener with the Blue Devils, Tallon posted a 3.96 ERA in 36.1 innings (21 appearances), racking up 14 saves and fanning 50 batters in 2025.

Tallon’s best season with Duke was his first, a rarity for a college arm: most take their lumps as they adjust to Division I hitters, but the 6-foot-5 hurler managed a microscopic 1.64 ERA as a true freshman. He threw his low-90s fastball roughly 70 percent of the time last season, getting batters to chase 35 percent of heaters outside the strike zone and to miss it entirely on 34 percent of swings.

There isn’t a whole lot of film of Tallon throwing out there — relievers only throw a handful of pitches per game, and few college games elicit a national broadcast — but Baseball Savant reports that even with average velocity, he fools batters with his release and delivery. He also throws a slider and a cutter that can overlap at times and mixes in the occasional changeup, a four-pitch repertoire that provides starting upside.

If the Phillies give Tallon extended appearances during his first full season in the organization, they likely plan to stretch him out into a starter. His other pitches need developing — that’s the purpose of the minor leagues — but starters around MLB like Cincinnati’s Hunter Greene throw their fastball more than 50 percent of the time.

Should Tallon remain in the bullpen, his experience as a closer speaks well to his ability under pressure.