This article is the ninth of a series on Phillies minor league players - 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. The seventh was on upper level starting pitchers - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/11-29-24-system-review-starting-pitchers-upper-levels
The eighth was on lower level starting pitchers - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/12-1-24-system-review-starting-pitchers-lower-levels.
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) at minor league players and where they might be assigned for 2025 - next up are potential bullpen candidates at the AAA level playing for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
RH Max Lazar - 25 years old - signed as a minor league free agent 12/8/23 from Milwaukee Brewers organization - was the Brewers 2017 11th round draft selection from Coral Springs HS , Coral Springs , FL - had a outstanding 2024 season - began the year at AA Reading - 8 games (10 IP) - 0.00 ERA with 18 K’s and no walks - only three hits allowed - promoted to Lehigh Valley on 5/8/24 - pitched in 29 games for Lehigh Valley - 2.45 ERA in 33 IP, 38 K’s, 10 BB - 1.03 WHIP. Made his major league debut on 8/10/24 vs Arizona - made 11 appearances with the Phillies - seven were scoreless - overall had a 4.61 ERA in 13.2 IP with 9 K’s and just 2 walks. Is a strike thrower - I remember chatting with him at the complex in ST and he told me that Weston Wilson (had played together in Brewers system) had told him the Phillies organization was a good one to sign with for opportunities and how they did business. Max features a four seamer (92-95 mph), curve, cutter and slider. He has a clean and repeatable long arm delivery, his fastball disappears on hitters - hides release point well and it jumps out of his hand with really good sink. Is on the 40 man roster and has options remaining - good chance to make the Phillies 2025 opening day roster else a return to AAA LHV where he can be on the shuttle back and forth as needed.
RH Jose Cuas - 30 years old - claimed off waivers from Toronto Blue Jays 9/7/24 - originally drafted by Milwaukee Brewers in the 11th round of the 2015 draft as an infielder - University of Maryland - converted to pitcher in 2018 - released 7/10/18 - continued to pitch in the independent Atlantic League - signed as free agent by Diamondbacks - released again in 2020 - returned to independent Atlantic League - signed by KC Royals 6/17/21 - has since pitched in the major leagues with the Royals, Cubs and Blue Jays (2022 to 2024) - throws a sinker (91-93 mph), four seamer (up to 94 mph), sweeper and change-up. He’s a side winder who’s pitched in 132 major league games with a season high 72 appearances for the Royals and Cubs in 2023. He’s been in 119 minor league games with a 3.94 ERA. Is known as a pitcher who can virtually pitch every day. Will be in big league spring training and might make the opening day roster however since he has an option left could become a depth piece and pitch for Lehigh Valley in AAA - appeared in four games with the IronPigs in 2024. Is on the 40 man roster.
RH Michael Mercado - 25 years old - acquired in trade with Tampa Bay Rays 11/6/23 for RHP Adam Leverett - was Rays 2nd round draft selection in the 2017 draft from Westview HS, San Diego, CA - pitched in 32 games (10 starts) with the 2024 LHV IronPigs amassing 69.1 IP posting a 2.07 ERA with 64 K’s and 35 walks - made his major league debut on 6/24/24 against the Detroit Tigers - appeared in 5 major league games (two starts) totaling 13 IP - struggled with command/control (16 H, 9 BB, 10 K’s) and was optioned back to AAA. Is a power arm - four seamer (95-99 mph), cutter, curve and change-up. Was initially stretched out as a starter before returning to a bullpen role (was a reliever with Rays in 2023) after coming back to LHV from the majors. A tall (6’4”) and slender young man who pitches downhill - had success at the AAA level - control issues aside - when he throws quality strikes has the stuff to succeed as a major leaguer. Will get another look in 2025 big league ST - is on the 40 man roster, with a good showing might break camp with the Phillies else has options left to be sent to AAA to continue refining his consistency and provide big league depth.
RH Devin Sweet - 28 years old - acquired in trade with Detroit Tigers 11/4/24 for cash considerations - signed as an un-drafted free agent 7/13/18 by Seattle Mariners - North Carolina Central University - claimed off waivers by Oakland A’s and then San Francisco Giants in 2023, claimed off waivers by Detroit Tigers in 2024 - has pitched in seven major league games (2023) with Seattle and Oakland. He pitched for AAA level Toledo in 2024 appearing in 52 games (76 IP) with a 9-6 record and 3.91 ERA - 111 K’s and 38 walks. Devin was a four year starter in college. He sits 92-94 with his fastball, also has a change-up and sharp slider. He generates good movement with his pitches and has a delivery that provides deception. Sweet’s go-to out pitch is his changeup. Is on the 40 man roster and has options - if he performs well seems like a pitcher who will be on the shuttle between LHV and Philadelphia as needed.
RH Griff McGarry - 25 years old - 2021 5th round draft selection - University of Virginia - has worked thru mechanical changes the past couple seasons to try to find a consistent release point and arm slot. When he maintains a pitch path and stays linear to his target he has the “stuff” to be a major leaguer, the battle has been to do so - when he struggles both control and command are the problem - rarely gets hit hard - walks are the primary issue. Switched to a full time reliever in 2024 and focused on throwing a four seamer (95-97 mph) and cutter occasionally mixing in his slider and changeup. He’s made progress but remains inconsistent - made 29 appearances with Lehigh Valley this past year posting a 4.55 ERA (30.2 IP) with 40 K’s and 36 walks - is rule 5 eligible for the first time this off-season. Griff pitched in the Arizona Fall League and posted a 2-0 record in five appearances (four starts) in 12 IP with 15 K’s and 11 walks - had good outings when commanding his pitches, not so good ones when he didn’t. Has been left unprotected for the major league portion of the Rule 5 draft - stuff is big league caliber - mechanics and command still a work in progress. Will likely be back at LHV in a multi inning role.
RH Jonah Dipoto - 28 years old - acquired in trade with KC Royals 5/26/24 for cash considerations - was the Royals 2019 35th round draft selection - University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA - is the son of Mariners President of Baseball Operations Jerry DiPoto - pitched in 19 games with the 2024 IronPigs (22.2 IP) with a 4.37 ERA - 18 K’s, 12 walks. Prior to that he pitched in 10 games for Omaha in the Royals system - overall numbers for 2024 at the AAA level - 29 appearances (37 IP) with 31 K’s and 20 walks. He has a career 3.44 minor league ERA in 153 games (212 IP). He’s a fastball (91 to 94 mph), slider and cutter pitcher with the slider bring the standout delivery and the one most used (it has above average big league spin rates). He has battled command and control issues. Will likely return to LHV to begin the 2025 season.
LH Tristan Garnett - 26 years old, turns 27 in March - signed as an un-drafted free agent 7/20/21 - Cal State University - Dominguez Hills - release point comes over the top on a downhill plane, he’s 6’6” - put away pitch is his changeup, excellent deception from the same arm slot as the heater and no slowing of his arm motion. We’ve seen the fastball up to 94 mph, generally in the 91 to 93 mph range. Tristan will also throw a cutter and slider to keep batters honest, has the look, moxy and stuff of a big leaguer. He made six appearances in this year’s big league spring training (4 IP, 2.25 ERA, 6 K’s) and was assigned to Reading to open the season. Went on the IL with a medical issue in early July after experiencing a rare bad outing on 7/5. We caught up with him at Carpenter Complex after he was put on the 60 day IL and the medical issue had been addressed, same upbeat persona we’ve come to admire and respect. Afterwards returned to action - a couple rehab appearances with Clearwater and then activated on 9/4/24 with Reading. Was promoted to Lehigh Valley for the last week of the year and appeared in one game throwing a scoreless frame. Overall for the season he had a 2.63 ERA in 34 appearances ( 41 IP) with 56 K’s and 28 walks. Is major league Rule 5 eligible for the first time this off-season, left unprotected. One of the nicest young men we’ve met and is highly respected by teammates and coaches/staff in the organization. He pitched in the Arizona Fall League appearing in 8 games (8 IP). Likely part of the opening day LHV bullpen, can pitch two inning stints in his appearances.
RH Nelson Alvarez - 26 years old - acquired in trade with Tampa Bay Rays 8/6/24 for cash considerations - was New York Yankees 2019 13th round draft selection - University of South Florida - pitched in 11 games (15.1 IP) with Reading recording a 1.76 ERA with 21 K’s and 7 walks - was promoted to Lehigh Valley on 9/19/24 and appeared in one game striking out the side in a perfect inning. Overall for the 2024 season including his time with the Rays AA and AAA affiliates he appeared in 39 games (51.2 IP) with a 3.48 ERA notching 62 K’s while walking 29. He features a fastball/sinker (93 to 96 mph), slider, cutter and curve. Was a minor league rule 5 selection by Tampa from the Yankees in December of 2022. Has battled control issues at times - is a strikeout pitcher. Likely to open the 2025 season with the LHV IronPigs.
RH Nicholas Padilla - 27 years old - signed as a minor league free agent 11/15/24 - was the Tampa Bay Rays 2015 13th round draft selection - Grayson JC, Grayson, TX - In 2020 was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the minor league portion of the Rule 5 draft. The Cubs designated him for assignment in September of 2022 and he was claimed by the White Sox. He has pitched in four major league games with the Cubs (2021) and White Sox (2023). Last season Padilla pitched for AAA level Charlotte in the White Sox system and posted a 3.23 ERA in 25 appearances (30.2 IP) with 37 K’s and 16 walks. Opponents hit just .194 against him. Nicholas was born in the Bronx, New York. He pitched for Team Puerto Rico in the 2023 World Baseball Classic as well as in previous tournaments. He’s shown a fastball up to 95 mph but it generally sits in the 91-93 range as a sinker. He also throws a sweeper, cutter and curve ball. He’s known for his ability to produce ground balls. Provides a back end option at LHV who if he performs well could get a call back to the show, likely NRI participant in big league spring camp.
RH John McMillon - 26 years old - waiver claim from Miami Marlins 11/4/24 - out-righted to LHV - 11/19/24 - Detroit Tigers 2019 11th round draft selection - did not sign - signed in 2020 as an un-drafted free agent with KC Royals - Texas Tech University - was claimed off waivers by Marlins from Royals on 8/2/24. He is a big arm who’s posted fastballs in the 96 to 100 mph range but has battled arm injuries throughout his career - was placed on the IL at the end of last season with elbow tightness. If he is healthy he is a late inning option - has appeared in 14 major league games (four with Royals in 2023 and 10 with Marlins in 2024). Appeared in 29 minor league games in 2024 posting a 6.32 ERA in 31.1 IP with 37 K’s and 27 walks. Command/control have been issues - “It’s a two-pitch mix for McMillon, who relies heavily on a fastball and a slider. Both pitches can be elite. His fastball touches triple digits with ease and the slider lands in the upper-80s with good breaking action. McMillon pairs his arsenal with a bulldog mentality on the mound. He’s a fierce competitor. Success relies heavily on him maintaining command of his pitches.” - farm to fountains (Royals blog). Remains to be seen if he’s healthy and ready to go, if so likely is an NRI to big league spring camp - health and performance will dictate status after camp ends.
RH Konnor Ash - 25 years old, turns 26 in March - 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. In my humble opinion he’s ready and capable of contributing in a similar manner with LHV in 2025.
RH Cody Stashak - 30 years old - signed as a minor league free agent 10/30/24 - was the 2015 13th round draft selection of the Minnesota Twins - St John’s University - is from Somers Point, NJ - appeared in 27 AAA level games in 2024 for the Giants affiliate in Sacramento in the hitter friendly PCL - 36.1 IP, 5.45 ERA, 44 K’s, 12 BB. Has pitched in 55 major league games (2019 to 2022) with the Minnesota Twins and has a career 4.13 ERA in 72 IP with 83 K’s and a minuscule 12 walks. He elected free agency in 2022 after being out-righted (was coming off of shoulder surgery for a torn labrum) and signed with the San Francisco Giants on 8/25/23 after initially pitching in the independent Atlantic League for the Lancaster Barnstormers. He features a low nineties four seamer, slider (uses as a primary pitch), change-up and last year the addition of a cutter. The south Jersey native has been a consistent strike thrower throughout his career, has strong mechanics, hides the ball well and is a strong competitor - he didn’t start pitching full time till college ball - played primarily shortstop as a high schooler. Will be a non-roster invitee to spring training, has options left and major league experience - valuable assets to have - likely begins the 2025 season with the IronPigs.
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
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