Scouting Report

Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 30 | Run: 55 | Arm: 50 | Field: 50 | Overall: 45

The son of the former big leaguer of the same name, Bergolla ranked fourth on MLB Pipeline's 2022 International Prospects list and signed with the Phillies that January for $2.05 million. He established himself as one of the best contact hitters in Philadelphia's system, batting .292 with an 8.7 percent strikeout rate in his first three seasons. The Phillies dealt him to the White Sox at this year's Trade Deadline to acquire Tanner Banks.

The lefty-hitting infielder stands out with his high baseball IQ, plus instincts and innate knack for contact. Bergolla rarely chases pitches out of the strike zone and draws a decent amount of walks. The big question surrounding him is how much offensive impact he'll have because he produces a lot of ground balls, generates below-average exit velocities and homered just once in 146 games in the Phillies system.

Bergolla's instincts, hands and feet all give him the chance to play shortstop, and he has enough arm for the premium position. He has played primarily second base this year, and some think the keystone may be a better spot for him long-term because of his range. He's a solid runner who's doing a better job of using his speed on the bases in 2024.

Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 45 | Run: 55 | Arm: 50 | Field: 50 | Overall: 45

William Bergolla Sr. was a solid prospect who played 10 years in the Minor Leagues and briefly made it to the big leagues with the Reds in 2005. His son, William, was one of the top international prospects in the 2022 class and has the chance to do a lot more than his dad professionally. The Phillies signed him for $2.05 million last January and then saw the talented infielder make a strong first impression in the Dominican Summer League that summer, as he hit .380/.470/.423 over 71 at-bats.

In the very early stages of his pro career, Bergolla has already shown off outstanding bat to ball skills, plus instincts in all facets of the game and a very high baseball IQ. He’s a left-handed hitter who -- small sample size alert -- only struck out three times in 71 ABs last summer while displaying good discipline with 11 walks. He has quick hands and uses a quick, direct swing to find the barrel. It’s a gap-to-gap line-drive approach and there should be solid extra-base authority. He may not have a ton of over-the-fence thump, but he’s already added strength.

While he’s not a burner, the Phillies are confident Bergolla can stick at shortstop long-term. He has great hands, quick feet and enough arm for the position, and those instincts allow his defensive tools to play up. His feel for the game could help him move a little more quickly as he makes his United States debut in 2023.

Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 45 | Run: 55 | Arm: 55 | Field: 50 | Overall: 45

Bergolla was ranked No. 4 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 50 international prospects list when the 2021-22 international signing period officially opened on January 15, 2022. The son of former Reds prospect, and brief big leaguer, of the same name, Bergolla’s all-around skillset and ability to stay on the dirt led to him signing with the Phillies for $2.05 million.

A left-handed hitting shortstop, Bergolla already has a strong reputation for his ability to make contact. He uses his hands very well with a simple, direct swing to barrel up the baseball, with an advanced approach and strike zone knowledge that belies his years. He has more of a line drive approach right now, with the ability to drive the ball to the gaps, and he should be able to add some pop as he matures, though that might be limited given his smaller frame.

Defensively, Bergolla displays very good instincts and actions at shortstop, with soft hands, good footwork and enough arm to give him a good chance to stick at the premium position. Because of his baseball IQ and awareness, there’s confidence he’ll maximize the tools he has.

Video scouting report »

Scouting grades: Hit: 60 | Power: 55 | Run: 55 | Arm: 55 | Field: 55 | Overall: 55

Considered one of the top players out of Venezuela in this year’s class, Bergolla has a chance to be an everyday starter in the future because of his all-around game.

He already shows solid bat-to-ball skills and an advanced approach and understanding of the strike zone. He shows line-drive power, and more pop is expected to come as he develops and his body matures. 

Bergolla shows good footwork, soft hands, and a strong enough arm to keep him at the position as he makes his way through the Minor Leagues. He has solid range and good baseball instincts. He’s been praised for his baseball IQ and awareness on both sides of the ball. He is the son of former Major League player William Bergolla Sr., an infielder who spent the majority of his career in the Reds’ system and with various teams in Venezuela’s Winter League.

Bergolla trains with veteran trainer Yasser Mendez, a member of MLB’s Trainer Partnership Program. The Phillies are the favorite to sign the teen.

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	09/27/2024	Winston-Salem Dash activated 2B William Bergolla from the 7-day injured list.
	08/29/2024	Winston-Salem Dash placed SS William Bergolla on the 7-day injured list.
	08/01/2024	Winston-Salem Dash activated SS William Bergolla.
	07/30/2024	Chicago White Sox traded LHP Tanner Banks to Philadelphia Phillies for SS William Bergolla.
	07/30/2024	SS William Bergolla assigned to Winston-Salem Dash.
	07/09/2024	Jersey Shore BlueClaws activated SS William Bergolla from the 7-day injured list.
	06/28/2024	Jersey Shore BlueClaws placed SS William Bergolla on the 7-day injured list retroactive to June 27, 2024.
	04/01/2024	William Bergolla assigned to Jersey Shore BlueClaws from Clearwater Threshers.
	03/07/2024	Philadelphia Phillies Prospects activated SS William Bergolla.
	03/01/2024	SS William Bergolla assigned to Philadelphia Phillies.
	06/06/2023	SS William Bergolla assigned to Clearwater Threshers from FCL Phillies.
	06/05/2023	SS William Bergolla assigned to FCL Phillies.
	06/05/2022	DSL Phillies White activated SS William Bergolla.
	06/05/2022	SS William Bergolla assigned to DSL Phillies White.
	03/22/2022	SS William Bergolla and assigned to DSL Phillies Red.
	01/15/2022	Philadelphia Phillies signed free agent SS William Bergolla to a minor league contract.