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Writer's pictureSteve Potter

11/3/24 : Rule Five Considerations

Fourth in a series of off-season Phillies minor league articles - previously I wrote about players who will be free agents. That was followed by two articles of players “on the cusp” of helping the major league club.  Today we focus on some players not previously mentioned in those articles that are rule 5 eligible this offseason.


There are 39 Phillies minor league players eligible this year for the Rule 5 draft.


Pitchers (24):   Mick Abel, Nelson Alvarez, Erubiel Armenta, Konnor Ash, Andrew Baker, Jean Cabrera, Eiberson Castellano, Moises Chace, Jonah Dipoto, Jaydenn Estanista, Carlos Francisco, Alex Garbrick, Tristan Garnett, Estibenzon Jimenez, Gunner Mayer, Tommy McCollum, Griff McGarry, Christian McGowan, Matt Osterberg, Pedro Reyes, Andrew Schultz, Noah Skirrow, Cody Stashak and Guissepe Velasquez.


Catchers (4) :   Josh Breaux, Luis Caicuto, Andrick Nava and Brahian Silva.


Infielders (7) :   Erick Brito, Diego Gonzalez, Matt Kroon, Fernando Hernandez, Felix Reyes, Trevor Schwecke and Carson Taylor.


Outfielders (4) :  Marcus Lee Sang, Leandro Pineda, Ricardo Rosario and Ethan Wilson.


Some of those eligible for the first time include :


RHP Alex Garbrick - 26 years old - drafted in the 17th round of the 2021 draft from South Carolina-Upstate, SC - spent the early part of the 2024 season with the rehab team in Clearwater recovering from TJ surgery incurred in June of 2023 - returned to game action (rehab assignment) on 7/12/24 with the FCL Phillies, transferred to Clearwater on 7/23/24 and was activated by Jersey Shore on 8/13/24 - pitched in a total of 15 games (16.2 IP) posting a 3.24 ERA with 16 K’s and 11 walks.  His fastball sat in the 91-93 mph range with 93 being the high - he was popping 96-97 on occasion in 2022 - also throws a slider, change up, sinker and cutter.  Is a very popular teammate - just coming back from injury status makes it unlikely he’s selected in the draft - should be a AA level consideration this spring.  I’ve always liked his mix and moxie - a sleeper to keep an eye on.


RHP Andrew Baker - 24 years old - drafted in eleventh round of the 2021 draft from Chipola Junior College, Chipola, FL - Features a fastball (95 to 99 mph, has reached 101 mph), hard slider and big break curve.  Has had struggles with control, command and mix.  We’ve never doubted that Andrew has big league talent, if you watch him throw that’s readily evident.  It’s a matter of commanding/controlling the zone, refining and sequencing pitches and repeating mechanics, from there the talent can shine.  He has always moving parts in his deliver, perhaps simplifying to find a consistent release point is the answer, the stuff definitely plays.  A good person who’s both approachable and well liked.  Scouts know that the stuff is there albeit it’s been inconsistent - if the young man can harness the control/command component then he’s capable of being a contributor in a big league bullpen.  Was a catcher in college that converted to pitching.  He’s been working this off-season at Cressy Sports in Florida.


RHP Christian McGowan - 24 years old - 7th round draft selection (2021) - Eastern Oklahoma State JC - 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 is currently in his second stint in the Arizona Fall League  as he went last season (2023) as well.  There is a chance he could be selected in the draft if not protected - many scouts see him as a reliever and the opportunity may exist with a selecting organization to place him in their big league bullpen for a season in order to meet the requirement of being on the major league roster in the year of selection.


RHP Estibenzon Jimenez - 22 years old - signed as an international free agent 11/27/19 - San Felipe, Venezuela - have liked his game since I first saw him on the backfields years ago.  Voted the best changeup in the Florida State League in a Baseball America poll for the 2023 season.  Has the ability to throw multiple pitches for strikes - a sinker in the 91 to 94 mph range, four seamer sitting 92 to 95 mph, touching 96, slider, changeup, cutter and curve ball.  Focuses on fastball, changeup and slider, great feel for his change-up, albeit location was a struggle this past year.  In fact it was a struggle overall for “Jimmy” this season in regards to the “surface” stats - he appeared in 27 games (14 starts) for High A Jersey Shore posting 82 innings and had an out of character ERA of 7.02 with 85 K’s and 32 walks.  He will pitch in the Australian Baseball League this winter for the Adelaide Giants to work on a return to form.  He told me this summer his learnings from the 2024 season were “knowing how to understand and react to the things that happen to me every time I go to pitch.  I know perfectly well that I didn’t have a good year and I didn’t have any luck but one of the things that has helped me throughout the year is realizing I can’t control all the things that happen in the game.  What I can control is that I am going to give 1000% every day.”  He’s a very popular and upbeat young man, a well regarded teammate.  Personally I think he will do quite well in Australia and come into 2025 ST camp ready to compete for a job at the AA level.


RHP Jaydenn Estanista - 23 years old - signed as an international free agent 11/8/19 - Willemstad, Curacao - fast ball range of 93 to 96 mph and touches 97 mph - features a four seamer, slider, cutter and curve.  Jaydenn has always been a pleasant young man to chat with - he had a solid 2024 season - as a reliever pitched in 31 games combined for Clearwater and Jersey Shore, was promoted to JS on 6/20/24.  In 53.2 IP he recorded a 3.52 ERA (3.18 in JS in 22.2 IP with 27 K’s and 10 walks) and struck out 71 batters while walking 31.  Jaydenn posted three saves in three opportunities with the BlueClaws. It was a nice bounce back year after having some struggles in 2023.  I don’t envision a risk of being selected in the major league portion of the draft and anticipate that he will compete next spring for a role in the AA level Reading bullpen.


RHP Konnor Ash - 25 years old - signed as an un-drafted free agent 7/20/21 - University of Missouri  - has a big breaking curve ball and a deceptive delivery - hides the ball really well - seems to come from behind his front knee with arm slot and leg kick. The full arsenal is a fastball (sits in a range of 90 to 93 mph), change up, curve and occasional slider.  Primary off speed pitches are the curve and change up, gets a really high arm extension and release point bringing the baseball from a downward plane path, very effective for the curve and change up in particular.  Will take the baseball every day - very durable.  Just might find a niche in a big league bullpen where he can utilize his arsenal and delivery to contribute.  Is a bulldog competitor - won’t scare or back away from pressure situations.  Konnor had a nice year with Reading in 2024 appearing in 35 games (10 as an opener) accumulating 63.2 IP and posting a 3.53 ERA with 66 K’s.


LHP Matt Osterberg - 25 years old - drafted in 15th round of the 2021 draft from St Cloud State, MN - Matt’s a throwback type pitcher, throws strikes, mixes both location and speed, reads the hitter and uses pitch ability to record outs.  Features a fastball (91-93 mph), cutter, slider and change up - has moxy and poise - just knows how to pitch.  Started 18 games for AA Reading in 2024 accumulating 87.2 IP - went on the IL on 7/25/24, spent time with the rehab group in Clearwater and finished the year making two starts for the Threshers in September before returning to Reading for a start in Harrisburg on 9/15/24.  He will pitch for the Adelaide Giants this winter in the Australian Baseball League.  Is a consummate pro and innings eater.


RHP Tommy McCollum - 25 years old - signed as an un-drafted free agent 7/20/21 - Wingate University , NC -  Is the definition of a strikeout pitcher with two put-away deliveries, a heavy fastball that generally sits in the 94-96 mph range but can reach upper nineties and a splitter that drops off the table. Tommy is an imposing figure on the hill at 6’5” and has an easy downward plane delivery, the baseball gets on the batter quickly and comes out of the hand with lots of movement.  He’s also got a slider he will use for good measure.  A big arm talent that when he controls the zone has the goods to be a big leaguer.  Had some struggles in 2024 with control and command after two excellent prior seasons in regard to “surface numbers”.   Has to harness the strike zone to be truly effective - when he does he’s a strikeout machine.  Because of the control issues I don’t think a team will select him in the major league portion of the draft - I still see a potential big league contributor - should compete for a AAA level Lehigh Valley roster spot this spring.


RHP’s Griff McGarry and Mick Abel are both draft eligible for the first time - I discussed them in the “On the Cusp” pitchers article (link - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/10-20-24-on-the-cusp-part-one-of-two ) - it would seem probable that both are protected.  LHP Tristan Garnett is also eligible for the first time and was discussed in the same article - it would be a calculated risk to not protect him from the draft.


Other Notables who are either in or beyond their second year of eligibility.


RHP Jean Cabrera - 23 years old - signed as an international free agent 7/2/19 from 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 to there 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 combination as primaries with the fastball in the 94 to 96 mph range with above average spin.  The slider will sit 82 to 85 mph and he also use a 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.”  Other teams certainly have noticed as indicated by inquiries at the trade deadline - with only six starts at AA Reading under his belt I’d expect a return to that level to begin next season unless another organization selects him in the draft.  He’s capable of eventually contributing at the big league level.


RHP Moises Chase -  (21 years old) -acquired in trade with Orioles 7/30/24 - is from La Guaira, Venezuela  - in six starts between Jersey Shore and Reading (28.1 IP) had 48 K’s and 10 walks - 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.  Baseball America described him as having “a hoppy low-to-mid-90s fastball and that he was up to 97 mph in spring training, he’s generally in the 92-95 range and complements his fastball with a mid-80s changeup and sweeping slider.”  It’s very likely that he’s added to the 40 man roster and protected from the draft.


RHP Andrew Schultz - 27 years old - drafted in 6th round of the 2019 draft from the University of Tennessee - throws a fastball (95 to 99 mph - has reached 101 mph), slider and change up and occasional cutter.  Andrew has a short arm delivery where the baseball appears to get on hitters even quicker than an already high velo output.  Has had struggles with walks and pitch location over periods of his career but also has had plenty of success.  Has the stuff to be a high pressure situation impact reliever and generally that’s how he’s been deployed in his career to date.  Harnessing the zone and finding consistency are the two areas he needs to continue to conquer to move up the chain, the stuff makes him capable of contributing in the show.  Now has completed three full seasons back in action after missing the 2021 year recovering from TJ surgery.  After a rocky 2024 start he excelled from June thru August with Reading (minus a one game exception when he was tagged for five runs in 1/3 of an inning) posting a 1.88 ERA in 24 games and 24 IP with 30 K’s.  It’s that kind of stretch that shows the talent I believe is there - big arms aren’t easy to find.


RHP Eiberson Castellano - 23 years old - signed as an international free agent on 7/2/18 from Maracaibo, Venezuela - 2024 Paul Owens Award winner - I first saw Eiberson pitch in 2021 Fall Instructs - he was part of a very talented group of pitchers up from the Dominican Summer League (Jean Cabrera, Jaydenn Estanista, Estibenzon Jimenez & Guisseppe Velasquez) that had just won the San Pedro Division title. It didn’t take long to realize that he had the skillset to advance up the ladder.  Scouts were already aware of his capabilities, in fact some teams targeted his outings the following spring and still do.


This past season he more than doubled the amount of innings he had ever thrown in a particular year accumulating 103.2 IP between High A Jersey Shore and AA Reading and posting a 3.99 ERA in 22 appearances (20 starts) with 136 K’s and just 29 walks.  He was promoted from High A Jersey Shore to Reading on 7/16/24. To state that his 2024 success is a surprise to baseball folks is a misnomer - in fact to many observers it has been long anticipated. The young man has size (6’3”), an electric arm and a power breaking pitch that is a put away offering.  Often times patience in regard to learning and growth is perhaps the most important element in player development coupled with both a coaching and player dedication to drive potential to fruition.


This summer I asked Phillies Minor League Pitching Coordinator Travis Hergert about Eiberson and he shared this  “he is still fairly young and due to the Covid year in 2020, like a lot of our young pitchers, lost out on some valuable game development and innings that season. In 2023 Spring Training Casty’s velo was significantly down from what it had typically been. We decided to put him in an intense weight room and velocity development throwing program during extended spring training.  We did regain his velocity however, the command wasn’t to the standard we felt he could be at.  After the season we granted him the opportunity to go play winter ball to take his improved velo and go pitch with it. He came back this spring and turned some heads and has since carried that into this season. He is arguably one the most improved pitchers in our organization this season.”


Coach Hergert told me that Eiberson 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.  I asked Eiberson this summer 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 regards to the future he said “ I will keep working hard, that’s my mentality now.”  I think there’s no doubt that he will be added to the 40 man roster and protected from the draft.


1B Carson Taylor - 25 years old - was selected by the Phillies in the minor league portion of the rule five draft on 12/6/23 from the Los Angeles Dodgers organization.  He was the Dodgers 4th round draft selection in the 2020 draft from Virginia Tech University.  He is regarded for his ability to control the strike zone during his AB’s and making a lot of hard line-drive contact. He has raw power that produced 16 doubles, 3 triples, 16 home runs and 77 RBIs between AA Reading and AAA Lehigh Valley in 2024 (promoted there on 9/17/24 - played in 6 games - .316/.519/.316 in 27 PA’s) and posted a very solid .279/.396/.458 slash line in 477 plate appearances.


I first saw him hit in person during a batting practice session this spring in minor league camp at the complex, was impressed with how hard he consistently hit the baseball.   There was that “loud” sound off the bat that ya always turn to see who delivered it.  Also during the spring it became evident that the plan was to convert Carson to a full time first baseman from being a catcher in both college and the Dodgers system.  He told me in a spotlight article I wrote about him early in the season I’ve had a great time learning how to play first base.  Definitely still lots of room for growth for me in getting better there but feel like I’m making strides each day. I think being a first baseman has really helped me in terms of how I feel each day and being able to go out and play each and everyday.”   In regards to his hitting he said “I think my best qualities as a hitter are that I take good at bats, I’m consistent day in and day out, and forcing pitchers to make their best pitch each time.”


Carson is targeted to be the everyday first baseman at AAA Lehigh Valley for 2025 - with the ability to also catch and athleticism to perhaps even learn to play an outfield corner such versatility and his offensive game put him in a favorable light as a potential big league contributor.  A very determined and focused young man - I wouldn’t bet against him.


Next set of articles we will dive into minor league player spotlights for those I’ve yet to discuss that I believe will have 2025 impacts.


Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️



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