This article is the seventh 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 - the sixth on corner outfielders - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/11-27-24-system-review-corner-outfielders
Evaluating pitchers generally falls into basically four categories - “Stuff -velocity/spin/etc”, deception, mechanics (ability to repeat) and command. It’s rare to find a hurler that excels in all four “out of the box”, it’s easiest to recognize “stuff” - that’s also the variable that can’t be taught - mechanics, deception and command can help make stuff better but without it the work is much more difficult. That’s not to say that a pitcher who doesn’t have elite stuff can’t develop into a major leaguer, they can - just have to excel in the three other variables.
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 - these next two on players I see as starting pitcher candidates. Since there are so many pitchers to discuss I will break this portion up into two parts - upper levels and lower levels.
AAA Lehigh Valley :
RH Andrew Painter - 21 years old, turns 22 in April - 2021 1st round draft selection - Calvary Christian HS , Fort Lauderdale, FL - excels in all four variables of pitching mentioned above - upper nineties to triple digits fastball, curve and slider are all premium pitches, command, mechanics and arm slot consistent - is an elite talent all around. After missing the entire 2024 season rehabbing from TJ surgery he returned to the hill and picked right up where he left off - pitched in the Arizona Fall League - won the league’s pitcher of the year award and was named the loop’s top prospect. In six AFL starts he posted a 2.30 ERA in 15.2 IP with 18 K’s and 4 walks - an outstanding 0.894 WHIP. He will be in big league ST camp and could perhaps break with the opening day Phillies else will be the headliner in the AAA Lehigh Valley IronPigs rotation, maybe delayed a bit - I think he caps at about 130 IP for the season - with good health should make his major league debut sometime in 2025.
RH Mick Abel - 23 years old - 2020 1st round draft selection - Jesuit HS , Portland, OR - made 24 starts (108.2 IP) in 2024 for AAA Lehigh Valley putting in the work despite having significant struggles locating and commanding the strike zone - far too many walks (78) yet he also recorded 117 strikeouts. Worked on establishing/maintaining a lowered arm slot, finding a consistent release point and not tipping pitches with his delivery. Velocity sat 94-96 mph which is a drop from prior years however intent was to harness control and create movement, has a very good curve ball and hard slider that are plus pitches and a change up. Had issues with stamina throughout the year due to an illness that had lingering effects from spring training camp. He’s not an excuse maker, is a diligent worker and will push hard to regain the form that made him a top draft selection. He’s a big league talent who had a very tough year, first one of that sort since being drafted in the first round of the 2020 draft. Was added to the 40 man roster in November. From my perspective the chances that he rebounds in 2025 are very probable, I trust the player, person and the development staff to bring that to fruition - when it does he’s capable of helping the big club.
RH Seth Johnson - 26 years old - acquired in a trade with Orioles 7/30/24 for LHP Gregory Soto - was the 2019 CBA-A round draft selection of Tampa Rays - Campbell University - traded by Rays to Orioles 8/1/22 - pitched in two games for Reading (7.2 IP) before being promoted to Lehigh Valley on 8/15/24 where he started five games (23 IP) and posted a 2.74 ERA - made his major league debut on 9/8/24 vs the Miami Marlins. Overall stats for the 2024 minor league season (includes 18 starts for AA level Bowie in the Orioles system) he pitched 95.2 innings in 25 starts and had a 2.73 ERA with 89 K’s and 50 walks. Converted to pitching while in college after initially playing shortstop - had TJ surgery in 2022 - features a consistent mid 90’s fastball - touches high 90’s, slider, curve and change up - noted for strong mechanics and repeatable delivery. Threw well after coming to the Phillies organization - control and command need harnessing - had great results for first full season back after surgery (only pitched 10.1 innings in 2023). He is on the 40 man roster, will be interesting to watch in spring camp competing for a roster spot - if he doesn’t make big club then hopefully provides solid depth in 2025 as part of LHV rotation.
RH Alan Rangel - 27 years old - signed as a free agent 7/16/24 - re-signed 11/4/24 and added to 40 man roster - was originally signed by Atlanta Braves 7/2/14 as an international free agent - Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico - signed with LA Angels 11/21/23 as a free agent - released by Angels 7/1/24 - after joining Lehigh Valley he made ten appearances (five starts) and recorded a 4.30 ERA in 29.1 IP (1.06 WHIP) with 25 K’s and 8 walks. Is a strike thrower. Has made 155 starts in 186 minor league appearances in his career (806.2 IP) with a career 4.44 ERA. This off-season made seven starts (32 IP) for Hermosillo in the Mexican Pacific League with a 3.38 ERA before shutting down to prepare for 2025 spring training camp. He has a big 12 to 6 curve ball that is his out maker, he also throws a four seamer (has touched 96 mph) and a changeup. Has options left and will provide depth at Lehigh Valley.
RH Kyle Tyler - 27 years old, turns 28 in December - waiver claim from Miami Marlins 8/11/24 - originally was 2018 20th round draft selection of the Los Angeles Angels - University of Oklahoma - has pitched in the Angels, Giants, Padres and Marlins organizations - is on the 40 man roster - has options left - pitched in 8 games (seven starts) in the majors for Miami in 2024 accumulating 31.2 IP and recording a 5.40 ERA. After joining Lehigh Valley he made seven starts (34 IP) and had a 5.40 ERA with 36 K’s and 13 walks. Has pitched in 124 minor league games (76 starts) with 476.2 IP and a 4.18 ERA. Primary pitch is a low nineties cutter with 12-6 curve as second most used delivery - also throws a sweeper and sinker - generates most swing and misses with his curve - generally pitches to contact. Can start or pitch bulk relief - likely stretches out as a starter with LHV to provide big league depth.
RH Gabe Mosser - 28 years old - signed as a minor league free agent 11/13/24 from the San Diego Padres organization - was drafted by the Padres in the 27th round of the 2019 draft from Shippensburg University in Shippensburg, PA. - He has spent his entire professional career in the Padres organization and appeared in 28 games (26 starts) last season at AAA level El Paso where he went 7-7 with a 5.40 ERA in 133.1 IP posting 103 strikeouts and 48 walks. In his career he’s appeared in 112 games (76 starts) and has a 4.45 ERA in 440.2 IP. He has yet to pitch in the major leagues. Mosser was born in Allentown, PA and attended Parkland High School where he earned all-state honors his senior year. He pitched four collegiate seasons at Shippensburg. His sinker will generally sit in the low nineties and he also throws a slider, curve and splitter. He’s known for a cool demeanor on the mound and as being a strike thrower who won’t beat himself, control of his pitches along with command. He gives the Phillies another option for starting depth at the AAA level and also gets the added bonus of playing where he grew up in the Lehigh Valley!
RH Noah Skirrow - 26 years old - signed as an un-drafted free agent 6/16/20 - Liberty University - served in a hybrid role in 2024 with Reading making 25 appearances (17 starts) both starting and pitching bulk relief. He totaled 94.2 IP and had a 4.66 ERA with 64 K’s and 47 walks - pitched in a similar role for Lehigh Valley in 2023 making 24 appearances (14 starts) with a 5.84 ERA in 101.2 IP. He will generally throw strikes and challenge hitters. Features a four pitch mix - four seam fastball (sits in a range of 91 to 94 mph), slider, split finger change up and sinker. Likely in the mix for the same type of role in 2025 ST with an eye on opening the season with Lehigh Valley.
RH Tyler Phillips (27 years old) is on the 40 man roster and will compete for an opening day spot with the Phillies - if he doesn’t make the roster he is out of options - would have to clear waivers to be assigned to AAA and rejoin the IronPigs where he made 20 starts and threw 118.2 innings in 2024 - he’s a major league caliber pitcher - would be doubtful he would clear waivers in the pitching starved major leagues. LH Tyler Gilbert (30 years old) will also compete for an opening day roster spot with the Phillies, he has an option left (reinstated one) and if doesn’t make the team would be a possible starter or bulk reliever for the IronPigs - last season he pitched strictly as a back end reliever appearing in 31 games for Lehigh Valley posting a 2.25 ERA in 40 IP as a closer (seven saves). He could be stretched out this spring.
AA Reading :
RH Moises Chace - 21 years old - acquired in a trade with Orioles 7/30/24 for LHP Gregory Soto - signed as an international free agent 7/2/19 by the Orioles - La Guaira, Venezuela - in six starts between Jersey Shore and Reading he had 48 K’s and 10 walks in 28.1 IP - was promoted to Reading on 8/13/24 and made four starts - 19.2 IP, 35 K’s, 7 BB and a 3.66 ERA. Overall for 2024 including his time with the Orioles at High A Aberdeen he pitched 80.2 innings in 23 games (15 starts) and had a 3.59 ERA with a whopping 124 strikeouts and 40 walks - opponents hit just .200 against him. Baseball America described him this way “Chace’s fastball is one of the signatures of the righthander’s mix. The pitch averages 95 mph and peaks at 98, but under the hood is where it really stands out. Chace’s lower slot, unusual carry and an average of roughly 18.5 inches of induced vertical break combine to produce a fastball that reminds some of the offering that has made Astros righthander Cristian Javier famous. The pitch garnered a miss rate north of 40%, and Chace backs it with a deep and varied pitch mix that has been tweaked as he’s matured. His current repertoire includes a short, hard slider, a sweeper and a changeup. The slider—which has the look of a cutter at times—is an effective offering against both righties and lefties and helps set up his sweeper for swings and misses. His changeup needs further development but has a chance to be average. Chace’s next step will be to turn his control into command, especially when it comes to pounding the zone early in counts.”
The game he pitched for Reading on 8/31/24 against Somerset was epic - he dominated a lineup that included rehabbing major leaguer Jon Berti - in that game Chace retired 18 of the 19 hitters he faced and the last 16 hitters he faced in a row (11 by strikeout) and struck out the side in both the second and fourth innings - the only hit he allowed was a first inning single (he struck out the side that inning also) - in total he pitched six innings in the contest allowing no runs on one hit, walked none and struck out 13 batters! He threw 81 pitches - 57 of which were strikes (71 %). It was one of the most dominant minor league performances you will ever witness. That kind of performance vaulted him into what many consider as the next best pitching prospect status just behind Mr. Painter. Players I talked to that were at the game were in awe of how good he was in that contest. Moises was in the recently completed High Performance Camp - with added muscle and a focus on reigning in both repeatable control and command the talent evidenced would project him into being a likely major league contributor at some point. He won’t turn 22 till 6/9/25 - will be in big league ST camp as he was added to the 40 man roster in November - likely returns to Reading to begin the year - should be really fun to watch develop.
RH Jean Cabrera - 23 years old - signed as an international free agent 7/2/19 - Maracay, Venezuela - posted a 6-5 record in 20 appearances (19 starts) in 2024 accumulating 106.2 IP with 110 K’s and 33 BB between High A Jersey Shore and AA Reading (promoted from JS on 7/9/24). He pitched five innings or more in fifteen of his starts highlighted by a six inning effort on 7/4/24 in which he didn’t allow a hit or run while striking out ten batters. Jean won the 2021 Paul Owens Award as he struck out sixty-one batters and walked only ten in thirteen starts ( 52.2 IP ) in the Dominican Summer League posting a 1.54 ERA. The torque he gets on his pitch deliveries and his competitiveness along with a quick motion make him a tough opponent for hitters. He generally uses a sinker/slider/change up combination with the fastball in the 94 to 96 mph range with above average spin. The slider will sit 82 to 85 mph and he has a strong change-up along with a four seamer. Jean can reach back and fire into the 97-98 mph range on occasion as well, we’ve seen that in the past. Minor League Pitching Coordinator Travis Hergert told me this summer when Jean was promoted “Jean has put together a great season, he’s a fighter on the mound and embodies the mentality we preach to pitchers in our organization. He’s earned his promotion through working hard in our offseason camps and perfecting his craft. His change-up and sweeper are good offerings and he’s developed a really good two seamer.” With only six starts at AA Reading under his belt I’d expect a return to that level to begin next season. He’s capable of eventually contributing at the big league level.
RH Eiberson Castellano - 23 years old - signed as an international free agent - 7/2/18 - Maracaibo, Venezuela - features both a four seam and two seam fastball in the 93-96 mph range which has been up to 97 mph. He has a power slurve in the low 80’s and is continuing to develop a change up. Posted a 4-2 record in 14 appearances (12 starts) at Jersey Shore with a 4.12 ERA in 63.1 IP with 86 K’s and 20 walks. Promoted to Reading 7/16/24 - in 8 starts (40.1 IP) had a 3.79 ERA with 50 K’s and 9 walks - a .211 BAA and 0.99 WHIP. Was Player Development pitcher of the month in July. Overall 2024 numbers : 6-5, 22 games (20 starts), 3.99 ERA, 103.2 IP, 136 K’s, 29 BB, 1.14 WHIP, 4.69 K/BB ratio. Earned the 2024 Paul Owens Award. Has a presence about him on the mound and big time movement and spin on his deliveries, throws strikes. In my humble opinion he’s just scratching the surface of what he can become, I’m just as excited about his future as the first time we saw him pitch back in Instructs of 2021. I asked Eiberson what kept him consistent this season - he said “keeping my mind positive and competitive.” I asked how confident he was in his pitches - he replied “I feel that I can throw each of them in any count or situation of the game, any pitch.” In regard to the future he said “ I will keep working hard, that’s my mentality now.” It’s gratifying to see talent develop - especially when knowing the effort that’s required. He has the skillset to someday contribute at the major league level.
LH Braeden Fausnaught - 25 years old - signed as un-drafted free agent 8/1/22 - West Chester University, West Chester, PA - It was a whirlwind 2024 season of baseball for Braeden. He pitched for the Adelaide Giants in December of ‘23 into January of ‘24 in the Australian Baseball League producing a 4-2 regular season record along with a 2.53 ERA in 10 games (32 IP) helping the club win it’s second consecutive league championship (Braeden also pitched in two post season games - 4 scoreless frames). He broke spring training camp in March of ‘24 as a member of the High A level Jersey Shore BlueClaws and went 8-3 in 19 appearances (18 starts) recording a 3.65 ERA in 98.2 IP with 90 K’s and 32 walks. On 8/13/24 he was promoted to AA Reading and finished the season making five starts (27.1 IP) posting a 3.27 ERA with 32 K’s and 8 walks for the Fightins. From December thru September (Adelaide,Jersey Shore & Reading) he accumulated 162 innings pitched while posting a 14-8 win loss record and a 3.36 ERA with 159 strikeouts and 60 walks. He is a battler on the mound - features a low 90’s fastball, cutter, slider and change-up - a pitch to contact hurler who produces outs with mix, consistency of delivery and arm slot along with good differentials in both pitch shape and velocity. A throwback to the “crafty left hander” description. He’s not intimidated by any situation and has both started and pitched in bulk relief. He told me this past summer “my biggest learning as a pro is that you are never out of a count and making pitch to pitch adjustments is huge. I try to take it one pitch and game at a time and make the right adjustments as needed.” Will likely return to Reading to open 2025 as part of the starting rotation.
LH Matt Osterberg - 25 years old, turns 26 in April, 2021 15th round draft selection - St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud State, MN - is an innings eater by modern day minor league standards - he threw 122.2 innings in 2023 over 24 starts (Jersey Shore - 18, Reading - 6) and 92 innings in 20 starts (18 starts with Reading, 2 rehab starts with Clearwater) in 2024 - spent some time this year on the IL from 7/25 to 9/1 and working with the rehab team at the Clearwater Complex. He’s a strike thrower - 25 walks per season in the last two years - pitches to contact - features a fastball (91-92 mph), cutter, slider and change up. In his last three starts of the season for Reading threw 15 scoreless innings. Is now pitching for Adelaide in the Australian Baseball League. Likely returns to Reading to start 2025 in the rotation once more.
RH Christian McGowan - 24 years old, turns 25 in March - 2021 7th round draft selection - Eastern Oklahoma State JC, Wilburton, OK - Spent the majority of the 2023 year at the complex with the rehab team returning from TJ surgery. This past season he opened the year later (activated by Reading 4/17/24) after spending time in extended spring working thru some shoulder discomfort. Was placed on the IL on 5/9/24 and didn’t return to the mound till 7/5 on a rehab assignment with the FCL Phillies. Was activated by Reading on 7/25/24. He totaled 40.1 innings for 2024 in 14 appearances (11 starts). Competes with passion, plays hard, gets after it - fun to watch. The arsenal - four seam and sinking fastball (sits in a range of 92 to 96 mph - flashes higher), slider and change-up. Has the talent to perform at the upper levels and in the show. His sinker is his money pitch and is one of intrigue, coupled with the four seamer and hard slider it provides three out pitches with the changeup being another potential put away, particularly to left handers. No one will outwork this young man, he’s got a down to earth, no frills, straight at ya, get it done persona who’s easy to root for. He just finished his second stint in the Arizona Fall League - 5 games (15.2 IP). Likely opens the 2025 season as part of the Reading rotation.
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
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