By my count the Phillies presently have 153 players on their minor league roster, since it is the off-season they are permitted 175 spots. Those remaining will be filled by free agent signings, perhaps some minor league rule 5 draftees and maybe a few trades.
This article is the sixth of a series on the minor league players I’ve yet to write about since the season ended - if you missed the first on the catchers - here’s the link - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/11-12-24-system-review-catchers. The second article was on third basemen - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/11-16-24-winter-league-roundup. The third article was on first baseman - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/11-17-24-system-review-first-basemen. The fourth was on middle infielders - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/11-22-24-system-review-middle-infielders - the fifth on center fielders - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/11-24-24-system-review-center-fielders
My initial off-season article was on 10/14 on free agents to be https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/10-14-24-minor-league-free-agency.
That was followed by two articles on 10/20 https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/10-20-24-on-the-cusp-part-one-of-two and 10/21 https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/10-20-24-on-the-cusp-part-one-of-two about players on the cusp of contributing to the major leagues. On 11/3 I wrote about Rule 5 considerations https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/11-3-24-rule-five-considerationsand then a spotlight piece on Alex McFarlane on 11/8 https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/11-8-24-spotlight-alex-mcfarlane.
The off-season roster build is in progress - I continue with a look (position by position) of returning players and where they might be assigned - this one on corner outfielders.
AAA Lehigh Valley :
Ethan Wilson - 25 years old - 2021 2nd round draft pick - University of South Alabama - began the ‘24 season on the IL due to a medical procedure - was activated 4/25/24 by Reading after rehabbing at the Complex in Clearwater. Struggled to get on track during the summer but picked it up in August posting a .270/.329/.619 slash line with 6 home runs in 63 AB’s. Was transferred to AAA Lehigh Valley on 9/17/24 and played in five games for the IronPigs. Ethan is a hard worker, is an adequate defensive outfielder, has played both corners - lacks foot speed and is more suited to left field due to arm strength. He’s got the ability to drive the ball out of the yard - needs to establish consistency and put the ball in play more - when he barrels it the ball is generally hit hard. Likely competes in spring camp for a Lehigh Valley roster spot.
Gabriel Rincones Jr - 23 years old, turns 24 in March - 2022 3rd round draft pick - Florida Atlantic University - incurred a thumb injury during April in Reading after getting off to a great start (.300/.417/.600 in 50 AB’s with 4 home runs) and required surgery - worked with the rehab team till returning to game action with the FCL Phillies on 6/27/24. Played in nine games in the FCL. Played a total of 59 games with Reading - 15 doubles, 1 triple, 11 home runs and 29 RBIs, 20 stolen bases - a .263/.357/.487 slash line. He got 90 more plate appearances in the Arizona Fall League and posted a .273/.367/.403 slash line with 4 doubles, 2 home runs, 9 RBIs and 9 stolen bases. Gabriel told me that his hitting approach is “mastering a plan each time I go up to hit, owning the strike zone.” The ball flies off his bat with easy power - left handed hitter - has a “pretty lefty swing” using an old baseball term - no wasted motion and direct thru the ball. Has the ability to drive the baseball to all fields. Confident in his abilities, won’t be intimidated by any situation. He’s a solid defender, smart player who is also an excellent base runner. Strong frame who’s a team leader, major league skill set that could possibly make a big club contribution in 2025. I think he’s ready to bump up to the AAA level to begin the year.
Matt Kroon and Marcus Lee Sang will also play some corner outfield - I discussed them in the center fielders article. Otto Kemp, Trevor Schwecke and Weston Wilson (if not on the big club) are also likely to see outfield time - we talked about Otto and Trevor in the third baseman article and Weston in the middle infielders article.
AA Reading :
Troy Schreffler - 24 years old - 2022 15th round draft pick - University of Maryland - played for Jersey Shore in 2024 - .227/.296/.396 slash line in 285 plate appearances with 11 doubles, 4 triples, 8 home runs and 39 RBIs - stole 23 bases. Is a very good defender who can play all three outfield spots - in ‘24 he played in 21 games each in left and center and 34 in right field. Is another speedster in the organization - gets good reads and is a heady base runner - decent pop. His versatility serves him well - is ready to bump up a notch to AA and be part of the outfield rotation.
Hendry Mendez - 21 years old - acquired in trade with Milwaukee Brewers 11/14/23 for infielder Oliver Dunn - was signed by Brewers as an international free agent on 1/15/21 from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic - played the entire 2024 season at Jersey Shore - was selected as the August organizational hitter of the month when he posted a .352/.452/.535 slash line with a .988 OPS in 84 PA’s with 25 hits, 16 runs scored, 6 doubles, 2 triples, a home run and 7 RBIs - walked 12 times and struck out just 7 times. Overall he hit .284/.386/.391 in 373 plate appearances with 19 doubles, 3 triples, 3 home runs and 41 RBIs - struck out and walked 52 times. Excellent bat to ball skills, eye hand coordination and ability to hit to all fields. Power will come - big frame, was in this year’s High Performance Camp. Just twenty one years old but coupled with his time in the Brewers organization has already accumulated over 500 AB’s at the High A level - is ready to move up to the AA level and new challenges. Hendry is an average runner but has a plus arm - he can handle right field - had some injury issues in 2024 that limited his defensive time - was DH’d in 43 of the 90 games he played in - pleasant young man, big smile - LH hitter - big frame at 6’3” - when he adds more pop to his offensive game could put himself into a position that gets folks attention. Won’t turn 22 till next November.
Leandro Pineda will likely see significant playing time in right field - he also plays first base - I discussed him in the article on first baseman - please refer to that.
High A Jersey Shore :
Jordan Viars - 21 years old, turns 22 in July - 2021 3rd round draft selection - Reedy HS, Frisco, TX - split time with Clearwater and Jersey Shore in 2024 - promoted to JS on 7/16/24 - posted solid numbers with Clearwater - 265 plate appearances - .252/.355/.491 with 14 doubles, 12 home runs and 39 RBIs - played in 27 games with Jersey Shore - finished the year strong going 6 for 17 in his last four games with 2 home runs and 5 RBIs - has tremendous raw power - LH hitter - swing gets long at times but when he’s shorter and barrels up the ball flies. Jordan is a diligent worker with a great persona about him, popular teammate. Isn’t blessed with great speed but is athletic and will make plays - arm is decent - can play RF although I see him as more suited to LF - has played both in his brief pro career to date. Likely to return to Jersey Shore as part of the 2025 opening day roster and should be a lineup regular playing either corner spot, will also DH. A physical presence at 6’2”.
Pierce Bennett - 23 years old, will be 24 in June - 2023 20th round draft pick - Wake Forest University - split time with Clearwater and Jersey Shore in 2024 - promoted to JS on 7/16/24 - overall hit .254/.373/.325 in 338 plate appearances with 9 doubles, 4 triples, 1 home run and 39 RBIs - stole 11 bases. Is a true pro, plays hard, smart and gives everything he has to win - converted to outfield full time in 2024 - played second base and outfield in college - is a left fielder - will get to most balls - not a burner - to me he’s a “St Louis Cardinal type player” - strong fundamentally who just plays the right way - as a former coach it is fun for me to watch him do so - likely returns to JS to begin 2025 and should be in the lineup often.
Raylin Heredia - 21 years old, won’t turn 22 till next November - signed as an international free agent 2/2/21 - Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic - had quite a bit of lost time due to injuries in 2024 with three stints on the IL - played in 70 games for Clearwater - .245/.309/.428 in 289 plate appearances with 11 doubles, 6 triples, 8 home runs and 42 RBIs - I first saw him play in 2023 in the FCL where he dominated (.326/.415/.532 in 164 plate appearances). Swing got a bit long and out of synch this past summer, he has genuine raw talent and tools - RH hitter - great arm, power, decent wheels, bat speed and passion to play. He’s a right fielder in my view with a chance to develop into a power bat run producer - plays with confidence but can’t get ahead of himself - will have to adjust as pitchers adjust to him. I think he plays better when challenged which is why I’d slot him in a position to compete for an opening day roster spot with Jersey Shore this spring - if he performs like I think he can has a chance to climb the rungs to the top. Very talented young man - is on the winter league roster of Gigantes del Cibao in the Dominican Winter League along with fellow Phillie and countryman Johan Rojas.
Low A Clearwater/Extended Spring Training :
TJayy Walton - 19 years old, turns 20 in January - 2023 4th round draft selection - IMG Academy, Bradenton, FL - was a lost year to injuries in 2024 for TJayy as he battled leg ailments - spent the majority of the summer at the Complex working with the rehab team - appeared in just 40 games with the FCL Phillies and Clearwater Threshers and never really got on track in 159 plate appearances. Has big power and is very physically fit - good size at 6’3”. RH hitter and thrower. When I’ve seen him play he’s shown glimpses of what might be - athletic enough to play center field but likely lands in a corner - hits the ball hard when he puts it in play - power will come as he matures and swing further develops, just needs reps to establish what type of hitter he’s gonna become. Likely begins the season with the Clearwater Threshers once again.
John Spikerman - 21 years old, turns 22 in April - 2024 3rd round draft selection - University of Oklahoma - played in 17 games with the Clearwater Threshers after signing - in 75 plate appearances hit. .226/.360/.323 with a triple, 5 RBIs, 9 walks and 7 stolen bases. Defensively appeared in all three outfield positions with most time in center and right - switch hitter - throws right handed. It’s anticipated he may also see some time as a middle infielder as he played shortstop in high school. Is another burner with plus speed who is projected as a top of the order catalyst who can swipe bases at will. Has a short and quick stroke at the plate, uses his speed as an advantage once the ball is in play. I think he will open the 2025 season with the Clearwater Threshers perhaps in a utility type role dependent on whether he gets infield reps this spring. Is a very capable outfielder who’s speed would likely slot him in center field as a regular in an organization not so deep at that position - will likely play more corner (RF) with the Phillies organization.
Carter Mathison - 21 years old, turns 22 in January - 2024 5th round draft selection - Indiana University - played in 11 games with the Clearwater Threshers after signing - hit .207/.477/.241 in 44 plate appearances - 1 double and and whopping 11 walks - stole 6 bases - LH hitter and thrower - was in HIgh Performance Camp - solid build at 6’2” - he’s another young man who’s very capable of developing as a center fielder - has good speed and reads - has played all three outfield spots in his brief pro tenure. Will likely slot as a right fielder - projection is as a power bat, offense is his ticket - can hit it out to all fields, is a very patient hitter witnessed by his initial OBP in his first 44 PA’s - will likely open the 2025 season with the Clearwater Threshers as a regular in the outfield rotation.
Joel Dragoo - 21 years old - turns 22 in January - 2024 7th round draft selection - Presbyterian College (South Carolina) - played in 15 games with the Clearwater Threshers after signing - .319/.508/.447 slash line in 65 plate appearances with 6 doubles, 15 walks, 14 strikeouts and 3 stolen bases. Defensively played both left and right field - was a center fielder in college. Showed advanced hitting skills - was noticeable when I first saw him in initial BP’s at the complex - right handed hitter and thrower. During his 2024 collegiate season he set his program’s Division I single-season record with 18 home runs and 67 RBIs.
Another great athlete - has a well rounded offensive profile, to date he’s shown the tools to do very well at the pro level. With a solid spring camp might actually open the ‘25 season with Jersey Shore else a return to Clearwater seems in the cards. Should be a fun player to watch develop offensively.
Ricardo Rosario - 21 years old, turns 22 in February - signed as an international free agent 7/2/19 - Maracay, Venezuela - spent the majority of the 2024 season on the IL working with the rehab team at Carpenter Complex - appeared in just 21 games (17 with the Threshers) accumulating 77 plate appearances - can play all three outfield positions, strong arm. He has great energy. Has fun playing the game, is a great competitor. Well schooled in fundamentals, a smart player with line drive hitting capabilities but can also drive the baseball out of the park on occasion. When given opportunities has played well.
Manolfi Jimenez - 20 years old - signed as an international free agent 1/15/22 - Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic - posted a .261/.317/.381 slash line in 101 plate appearances for the 2024 FCL Phillies with 2 doubles, 3 home runs, 13 RBIs and 3 stolen bases. This summer he showed good pop as a LH hitter on the expansive backfields in his first season stateside - is athletic in build, runs well - just turned 20 years old on 11/14 - can play all three outfield positions - saw most of his time in center field - good defensive skillset, has the arm to play right field and the wheels to play center. Likely returns for a second FCL season in 2025.
Yemal Flores - 21 years old - signed as an international free agent 2/2/21 - San Isidro, Dominican Republic - Yemal has played stateside three seasons now (majority of which was in FCL) and yet just turned 21 on 11/22 - he’s got big power and has shown glimpses of “taking off” only to be set back by injuries - in 2024 made his Clearwater Threshers debut playing in 14 games before returning to back field “Bridge League” games and practice. Overall between the FCL and Threshers he posted a .236/.341/.418 slash line in 129 plate appearances with 3 doubles, a triple, 5 home runs and 22 RBIs - he’s a good outfielder with an accurate throwing arm - plays both corners - has seen more time in right field than left. Has a power hitter swing which has led to multiple strikeouts - it would seem this spring is a very important one for him - needs to break thru and earn an opening day roster spot with the Threshers.
Junior Marin - 20 years old, turns 21 in March - signed as an international free agent 3/23/21 by KC Royals - Punta de Piedras, Venezuela - acquired in a trade 5/8/23 for RHP James McArthur - played in 30 games with the FCL Phillies in 2024 - hit .289/.336/.464 in 107 plate appearances with 6 doubles, 1 triple, 3 home runs and 18 RBIs - stole 5 bases in 8 attempts - is a big fella at 6’2” 240 - big power - hits long taters in BP - has worked in practices to learn 1B - as an outfielder has played more in LF than RF - not gifted with great speed so LF is his most likely position. Has good eye-hand coordination and quick hands - will put the ball in play, we’ve seen him hit with authority - still a young player - should compete in ST for a spot with the Threshers however a return to XST and the FCL doesn’t seem out of the question - has offensive skillset to unleash.
Possible DSL player who could come stateside to the FCL :
Jaedon Calderon - 19 years old, turns 20 in September - signed as an international free agent 1/15/23 - born in Miramar, FL - born in Florida but signed out of Dominican Republic - noted for raw power - Is a corner outfielder who also plays first base. In 2024 he put up really good DSL numbers - .282/.429/.444 with a .873 OPS - 7 doubles, 2 triples, 4 home runs and 24 RBIs. Hit consistently well all season but had an outstanding month of August - .293/.420/.512 slash line in 41 AB’s - solid frame - reminds me a bit of Raylin Heredia. Player Development Director of Hitting Development Edwar Gonzalez commented “ Calderon had a great season and is among the candidates to make the stateside trip next year.”
Jorge Julio - 18 years old, turns 19 in August - signed as an international free agent 1/15/23 - Barquisimeto, Venezuela - played 2023 as a 16/17 year old appearing in 16 games for Phillies White - had a very strong 2024 spring camp going 9 for 16 in games I tracked with three doubles and a home run. His father pitched for nine seasons in the major leagues as a closer and relief pitcher. Jorge had a productive 2024 DSL season with a .276/.392/.398 slash line and .790 OPS in 148 PA’s with 7 doubles and four triples. Defensively is a corner with the arm strength to play right field. Is a player with family pedigree who knows the requirements to come stateside - needs to add strength and weight - just turned 18 on 8/4/24 - is a youngster who has shown flashes of potential - I haven’t seen him a great deal but can’t ignore how he was often in the mix in my minor league roundups for Team White when runs were being scored - just sayin.
Victor Cardoza - 18 years old, turns 19 in January - signed as a free agent 1/15/23 - Puerto Cabello, Venezuela - had an outstanding 2024 DSL season - he was transferred from Team White to Team Red on 7/22/24 and took off from there. Overall for the season he posted a .333/.390/.562 slash line with a .952 OPS with 12 doubles, 2 triples, 7 home runs and 25 RBIs with 16 stolen bases in 178 plate appearances. Last season he had 133 plate appearances with Team Red. He’s a well built young man, has a short powerful stroke, holds hands high but gets quickly into a hitting position (a bit of drift) and has shown ability to drive the ball the opposite way - pull side power is also very good. Player Development Director of Hitting Development Edwar Gonzalez commented “Cardoza made great strides this past year cutting down his strikeouts and making adjustments as the season went on.”
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
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