I will be writing an off-season series of articles on the Phillies minor league players - not as detailed as in years past but hopefully will do justice to the process. I’ll kick it off by listing and discussing those players that if their contract status remains as they are now will become free agents after the World Series concludes.
So here’s the list of the 23 Phillies minor leaguers who I have as being currently en-route to free agency this off-season.
Pitchers :
RH Andrew Bellatti (33 years old) - was a key component of the 2022 Phillies bullpen appearing in 59 games and recording a 3.31 ERA in 54.1 IP. That season he featured a wipe out slider that had biting sweeping action before the “sweeper” became a thing. The following year he had some arm issues and opened the season on the IL - just never got the same form back as he split his time (27 big league appearances and 29 minor league appearances) between Philly and Allentown. Lost his 40 man roster status this February and pitched the entirety of this season with the IronPigs appearing in 46 games - had issues with throwing strikes (a career high 33 walks in 42.2 IP). Was a serviceable reliever for the most part. Veteran arm who likely finds a chance somewhere on a spring training invitation. He declared free agency on 10/11/24.
RH Dylan Covey (33 years old) - spent a major portion of the season at the complex in Clearwater on rehab assignment after incurring an injury in spring training - threw the ball really well for Lehigh Valley once activated moving into a single inning reliever type - has been a starter/bulk reliever previously - if healthy that would seem to be the role he fills (bulk/starter) - has a four pitch mix including a sinker that sits 93-96 mph and a splitter. Likely gets a shot at the show again somewhere. He declared free agency on 10/11/24.
RH Nick Nelson (28 years old) - acquired via trade with the Yankees on 11/19/21 along with catcher Donnie Sands for 1B TJ Rumfield and LHP Joel Valdez. Has pitched in 52 major league games for the Phillies and 59 minor league games (30 starts). Was a starter in 2023 for Lehigh Valley posting a 3.83 ERA in 115 IP (25 games). Converted back to a reliever in 2024 although did make five spot starts. Introduced a knuckle ball to his pitch mix this past season - otherwise has a four seam fastball (93 to 96 mph), sinker, slider and change up. Hard worker who has always reported early for spring training - can contribute in the big leagues - he declared free agency on 10/11/24.
RH Zach Haake (27 years old) - signed as a free agent in 2023 after being released by the Royals, he re-signed with the Phillies this past off-season. Is a versatile pitcher who primarily uses a mid nineties sinker and a changeup. Converted to a multi inning reliever this year rather than starting and bulk work - pitched at both Reading and Lehigh Valley - has pitched exclusively in the minors after being drafted by the Royals in 2018. His ability to start/bulk relieve and also provide multi innings as a more frequently used reliever should land him a job somewhere for 2025 - good teammate as well, a guy any clubhouse would like to have.
RH Cristian Hernandez (24 years old) - one of my favorite people in the system, always polite and welcoming. Had a slow start this season due to some arm fatigue and conditioning after pitching in the Venezuela Winter League. Opened the year in extended spring camp before eventually working his way back to Reading after stints with Clearwater and Jersey Shore. Has been a starter/bulk reliever in years past and earned a trip to the Arizona Fall League in 2022 where he pitched very well (0.82 ERA in 11 IP). This year he’s been more of a one inning reliever (only 8 of his 40 appearances were two innings - one three inning spot). Cristian features a fastball (93-96 mph) slider, sinker and curve. He’s got decent stuff and has had some success, would think he gets a chance to catch on somewhere.
LH Jordi Martinez (24 years old) - had Tommy John surgery in early June and missed the brunt of the 2024 season. Not likely to return to game action till September next year if then - more likely to miss the year. Has had a very promising career prior to the injury - converted to a full time reliever in 2023 and appeared in 47 games (39 at Jersey Shore, 8 at Reading) and was chosen to participate in the Arizona Fall League. Is a multi inning capable reliever - fastball sits 94-96 mph and has touched 98 - also throws a hard slider. Known as a hard worker who will take the ball often, even on short rest. From my views of him over the years I believe he can be a big league contributor. He’s one a team should invest in with a two year deal knowing that 2025 is likely a wash - will be turn 26 in July of 2026 - from my perspective that gives him plenty of time to make his way to the show.
RH Tyler McKay (27 years old) - another one of my favorites in the system - was invited for the first time this spring to big league spring training camp - pitched for both Reading (14 games - 0.00 ERA - 13.2 IP) and Lehigh Valley (29 games - 3.21 ERA - 33.2 IP) this past year posting an overall 2.28 ERA in 47.1 IP with 48 K’s and 22 walks. Has the ability to pitch two innings (went more than an inning in eleven of his appearances) - features a low, three quarter arm slot with a two seamer/sinker (92-94 mph) and sweeping slider. His go to pitch is his change-up which is a swing and miss delivery. Should get an opportunity somewhere to continue his career, I’ve always believed he can contribute at the big league level.
RH Robinson Pina (25 years old) - signed as a free agent 12/11/23 after spending the initial seven years of his career in the Los Angeles Angels system. Made 19 starts for Reading and was a staff ace posting a 3.95 ERA over 100.1 IP allowing just 13 walks - he’s a strike throwing machine. Was promoted to Lehigh Valley on 8/13/24 where he made five more starts (24 IP) but lost command a bit as posted 11 walks and a higher ERA. Big frame at 6’5” who’s a very popular teammate - upbeat. Generally a sinker, splitter (changeup) and slider arsenal with fastball sitting 91-93 although we’ve seen mid nineties on occasion. Will definitely get an opportunity somewhere in 2025.
RH Dominic Pipken (24 years old) - spent the majority of the season at the complex working with the rehab team after off-season shoulder surgery. Began a rehab assignment on 6/18/24 and appeared in just nine games (two -FCL, 3 - Clearwater & 4 Reading) before returning to the IL on 7/26/24 with shoulder discomfort - finished the year on the IL. Was the Phillies 9th round draft selection in the 2018 draft from Pinole Valley HS, Pinole, CA. Began his career as a starter - moved to the bullpen during the 2022 season and became a high octane late inning reliever (has an upper nineties fastball) - made his AA level debut in 2023 as a reliever. Has battled injuries the past two seasons - when healthy the soon to be 25 year old has a fastball that consistently clocks 97 to 100 mph, a hard slider/cutter and change-up. Is having another off-season shoulder surgery - when healthy he should get an opportunity somewhere.
RH Alan Rangel (27 years old) - signed as a free agent on 7/16 after being released by the Angels - has pitched exclusively in the minors - originally signed by the Braves in 2014. Is a pitch to contact hurler who relies on location, mix and savvy to record outs. There was alot of interest in him last off-season as a free agent - likely the same again this year. Pitched for Lehigh Valley after signing on as a bulk reliever/starter.
RH Nick Snyder (28 years old) - signed as a minor league free agent in December of 2023 from the Rangers system after missing the entire 2023 season with a shoulder injury - was a non-roster invite to 2024 big league spring training however never pitched in a game and spent the entirety of the season on the IL. Hasn’t pitched in two consecutive years.
LH Lachlan Wells (27 years old) - signed as a free agent on 1/7/24 after impressing in the Australian Baseball League with the Adelaide Giants. Was an innings eating starter for Reading this season accumulating 91.1 IP over 16 starts - went on the IL from 7/31 till 9/7 and was assigned to the rehab team in Clearwater to recover from a dead arm period. All tolled from Adelaide to Reading with a two inning rehab appearance on 9/7/24 with Clearwater to end the year he pitched 153 innings from December thru September. He features a fastball, curve and change up with the change up being his best pitch and out maker, has an over the top delivery, hard to pick up the baseball out of his hand. Is a consummate strike thrower (12 BB in 93.1 IP) who knows how to read hitters and make game adjustments, posted a 3.47 ERA which should earn him a job somewhere at the least for the 2025 season. Is pitching again for Adelaide this winter in the Australian Baseball League.
Catchers :
Aramis Garcia (31 years old) - signed as a free agent in February of 2023 - re-signed for the 2024 season. He is a very good defensive receiver - threw out 31 of 95 would be base stealers this season - appeared in three major league games. Struggled offensively this year more than other seasons in his career after having a very solid spring training camp - has some pop - 22 home runs the past two years. Will be 32 in January - has played in 119 major league games with San Francisco, Oakland, Cincinnati and the Phillies. Is out of minor league options but likely gets a non-roster invitation to big league camp somewhere next spring.
Cody Roberts (28 years old) - was selected in the December 2022 minor league Rule 5 draft from the Orioles organization - is an excellent defensive receiver who has played sparingly in his time with the Phillies organization - 115 games the past two seasons with Reading and Lehigh Valley - 339 total plate appearances - hit the ball well this season (160 PA’s) producing the highest batting average (.290) and OBP (.373) in his career to date - was the Orioles 11th round draft choice from the University of North Carolina in 2018. Will likely get a spring training non-roster invitation with someone this coming spring.
Infielders :
Jim Haley (29 years old) - signed as a minor league free agent in December of 2022 after being the 2016 19th round draft choice of the Rays from Penn State - played six seasons with the Rays reaching the AAA level in 2022. He had a solid 2023 season for Lehigh Valley playing in 108 games (410 plate appearances). Re-signed with the Phillies in March of 2024 as a veteran presence at AA Reading - moved up to Lehigh Valley on 5/4 and finished the year there - was solid offensively once again in 381 plate appearances - played all four infield positions plus left field - had some struggles as a defender particularly at second and third base.
Darick Hall (29 years old) - was the Phillies 14th round draft choice in 2016 from Dallas Baptist University - has played his entire career with the Phillies organization to date - this season he became the IronPigs all-time franchise leader in home runs and RBIs - his minor league 160 career home runs places him in the top five all-time for Phillies minor leaguers - has had an adjustment period to recover from 2023 hand surgery but has appeared to turn the corner there - is a career .254 hitter in 3,539 PA’s with a .340 OBP - an RBI machine averaging 76 RBI’s per season - drove in 101 in 2017. Has 10 career home runs in 198 major league PA’s - is more than capable as a big league left handed power bat. Is a steady defender at first base, great person and teammate - very welcoming and inclusive - genuine. Turns 30 next July - should get afforded an opportunity somewhere to make a major league roster in spring camp.
Scott Kingery (30 years old) - the Phillies second round pick in the 2015 draft from the University of Arizona. Had a very strong 2024 season with Lehigh Valley hitting 17 doubles, 5 triples and 25 home runs with 25 stolen bases and 67 RBIs. Primarily played shortstop this past season (106 games) but also played second base and center field. Was a bit erratic as a shortstop committing 18 errors (.963 fielding percentage) but his defensive versatility is an asset - should afford him an opportunity somewhere for a big league spring training camp invitation. Has battled his way back from a prior year’s shoulder surgery and the long term effects of Covid.
Kendall Simmons (24 years old) - drafted in the 6th round of the 2018 draft from Tattnall Square HS , Macon, GA - Kendall is a well liked young man with one of the brightest smiles you will ever see, always one of my favorites to chat with. Has battled the injury bug throughout his career, this season was no different as he spent extended stints on the IL. His calling card is as a power bat - can turn on high inside fastballs. Just needs to find a way to stay on the field, if he can then perhaps the talent shines thru on an extended basis, needs to believe in himself more, has skills. Kendall has played both second and third base, personally I think he’s best suited to second, just seems like a better fit for his athleticism. Still a relatively young player who when he’s played has produced decent numbers (.252/.333/.455 in 228 PA’s this season with AA Reading - 12 doubles, 9 home runs and 27 RBIs). Perhaps his home state Braves give him a chance - am rooting for him wherever he signs.
Outfielders :
David Dahl (30 years old) - was signed on 2/19/24 as a minor league free agent. Had a very solid season for AAA Lehigh Valley (.285/.353/.502 in 295 PA’s with 14 home runs and 40 RBI’s) - also appeared in 19 games with the Phillies - hit three home runs and posted 8 RBIs in 62 PA’s. Is limited defensively - best suited to left field. Is out of minor league call-up options. Should get a non-roster invitation to big league camp somewhere.
Carlos De La Cruz (25 years old) - signed as an un-drafted free agent - 8/23/17 - George Washington HS, Yonkers, NY
Carlos is 6’8” and very athletic. He can track fly balls well and is a good thrower, capable of playing all three outfield positions.
Can play first base as well. When we first saw him hit on the backfields in 2017 the ball jumped off his bat - made that special baseball loud sound that results from the barreling of the ball on the sweet spot. He can drive baseballs high and deep into the sky. Pleasant personality - always says hello when we see him, a sincere person. Key is getting quality at bats, can drive the ball out of the park in any direction - chases out of the zone - when he focuses and gets quality pitches he’s a weapon. Had a big 2023 season at AA Reading, this year began at Reading and was promoted to AAA Lehigh Valley on 7/9/24 - finished the year strong hitting .300/.364/.400 in 50 September AB’s after a brutal struggle in August (3 for 55). Should get a chance somewhere next season - still a relatively young player.
Matt Kroon (27 years old) - drafted in 18th round of the 2018 draft from Oklahoma State University, OK - Matt is a multi position player (plays 1B, 3B and all three OF spots) that I believe can play in the show and contribute - issues have been injuries. Was limited to 280 plate appearances this season at AAA Lehigh Valley due to various stints on the IL. When he’s played has shown the ability to hit - posted a .326 BA in 2023 between Reading and LHV in 361 PA’s and popped 11 home runs and 14 doubles for the IronPigs this past season. He’s athletic and quick - can steal bases (42 over past two years) - recovered from major knee surgery that cost him the 2022 season - is a dedicated and diligent worker. There’s talent here - if can stay healthy - deserves another chance somewhere to show it.
Jordan Luplow (31 years old) - was signed as a minor league free agent on 3/16/24 - was having a very good season for AAA Lehigh Valley before suffering a year ending knee injury on 6/21/24. Has appeared in 362 major league games since being drafted in the second round of the 2014 draft by the Pirates. The injury he incurred was a serious one - his recovery will determine where he fits in 2025 - provides big league depth when healthy.
Ryan McKenna (27 years old) - was signed 8/5/24 as a minor league free agent after being released by the Giants. Has appeared in 297 major league games - can play all three outfield positions adequately. Appeared in 25 games with the IronPigs - is a depth piece who provides short term fill in capabilities - will get a look somewhere in 2025 big league camp.
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
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