This article is the eleventh 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. The ninth was on relievers projected at the AAA level - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/12-3-24-system-review-relief-pitchers-aaa-lehigh-valley. The tenth was on relievers projected at the AA level - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/12-4-24-system-review-relief-pitchers-aa-reading
Evaluating pitchers generally falls into basically four categories - “Stuff -velocity/spin/etc”, deception, mechanics (ability to repeat) and control/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 some potential bullpen candidates at the High A level playing for the Jersey Shore BlueClaws.
RH Estibenzon Jimenez - 22 years old, turns 23 in January - signed as an international free agent - 11/27/19 - San Felipe, Venezuela - I have liked his game since I first saw him on the backfields a few years ago. Voted as the best changeup in the Florida State League in a Baseball America poll for the 2023 season. “Jimmy” 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 with a great feel for his change-up, albeit location was a struggle this past year. In fact it was a struggle overall for the 2024 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 is now pitching in the Australian Baseball League for the Adelaide Giants to work on a return to form. He told me this summer his learnings from the 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. Will compete for a AA role in 2025 ST with fallback being a return to Jersey Shore for a few more games.
RH 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 - will be a AA level consideration this spring. I’ve always liked his mix and moxie - a return to JS to start 2025 to continue to re-establish himself further could be prudent.
LH Danny Wilkinson - 24 years old - signed as an un-drafted free agent - 7/25/22 - Villanova University - a three pitch mix hurler (fastball, slider, curve) who gets big spin and break on his off speed deliveries and rising action on his fastball (ala Arizona’s Paul Sewald). While he pitches off his fastball as the predominant delivery he can also “pitch backwards” using his slider 30 to 40 percent of the time. All three pitches are good deliveries, unique fastball with big time backspin in the 90 to 92 mph range (plays up higher due to movement) complimented by the slider in the low 80’s and a 12-6 curve. Is a strikeout machine, has struggled with control/command - posted a 4.83 ERA in 30 games (31.2 IP) with 50 K’s and 28 walks for Jersey Shore in 2024 - likely returns to JS to start the 2025 season.
RH Trey Dillard - 26 years old - signed as an un-drafted free agent - 7/25/23 - Texas A&M University - motion reminds me of former Phillies minor leaguer Grant Dyer (he’s now a firefighter in California btw) who had a big arm to couple with a 12 to 6 hook. We have seen similar action with Trey’s pitches and mechanics - jumps at the hitter. Trey has had two Tommy John surgeries as an amateur pitcher (2020 and 2021) but battled back to earn a chance with the Phillies as a professional. He was selected in the 16th round of the 2018 draft by the Dodgers but did not sign. Pitched for the University of Missouri before transferring to Texas A&M. Throws a fastball (93 to 97 mph), sinker, slider, curve and cutter. In 2024 he began the year with Clearwater - 5 games (8 IP) with a 3.38 ERA - promoted to Jersey Shore 4/28/24 - 30 appearances (36.2 IP) - 5.15 ERA - 44 K’s and 30 walks - likely returns to JS to start the 2025 season.
RH Jaydenn Estanista - 23 years old - 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. He posted three saves in three opportunities with the BlueClaws. It was a nice bounce back year after having some struggles in 2023. Will compete for a AA role in 2025 ST with fallback being a return to Jersey Shore for a few more games.
RH Paxton Thompson - 25 years old - signed as an un-drafted free agent - 8/4/23 - University of Charlotte - before pitching for Charlotte he pitched a year at the University of Mary (North Dakota) and a year at Bradley University. Started the 2024 season with Clearwater - 19 appearances - 3.62 ERA in 27.1 IP with 30 K’s and 9 walks - promoted to Jersey Shore on 7/1/24 - was excellent at High A - 1.64 ERA in 16 appearances (22 IP) with 23 K’s and just 6 walks - had a 0.95 WHIP. He’s a strike thrower who can pitch two inning stints (did so in 15 of his 34 games) - throws a cutter, sinker (90-93 mph), slider and change up - likely returns to JS to start the 2025 season.
RH Ethan Chenault - 23 years old, turns 24 in March - 2023 18th round draft selection - UNC Charlotte - started the 2024 season in Clearwater - appeared in 25 games (36.2 IP) posting a 4.91 ERA with 53 K’s and 26 walks - was promoted to Jersey Shore on 8/13/24 and pitched in six games (6 IP) posting a 3.00 ERA with 8 K’s and 3 walks. Participated in Fall High Performance Camp. Played for former Phillies LHP Billy Wagner in high school in Virginia at the Miller School of Albemarle in Charlottesville. The off-season weight training has truly benefited Ethan as he added muscle to his 6’5” frame - fastball went from a lower nineties pitch in college to the 93-96 mph range as a pro. He also throws a curve and cutter with a change-up if needed. Ethan told me that “I learned a cutter half way thru the year to use instead of a change-up.” Hard worker with multi pitch and multi inning abilities - hides ball well and repeats delivery - likely returns to JS to start the 2025 season.
RH Brandon Beckel - 23 years old - 2023 12th round draft selection - Texas Tech University - began the 2024 season with Clearwater - 25 appearances (three as an opener) - 46.2 IP with a 3.28 ERA - 51 K’s, 17 walks - promoted to Jersey Shore on 8/17/24 - five appearances (7.1 IP) with a 3.68 ERA - 14 K’s, 5 walks. He’s a reliever who can stretch out to three or four frames as needed. Has a sharp slider that he keeps down in the zone, a pitch that’s heavy and is a ground ball maker. Decent fastball - 92-94 mph that has been up to 95 - likely returns to JS to start the 2025 season in a multi inning role - it’s how he was used in college as well.
RH Jake Eddington - 23 years old, turns 24 in April - 2023 7th round draft selection - Missouri State University - crossfire landing, releasing from a three-quarter slot, adds deception to his 92-94 mph fastball. Complements it with a slider with above-average spin. Began the year with Clearwater, went on the IL on 5/12/24 - rehabbed at the complex and made five appearances with the FCL Phillies beginning on 6/14/24 - reactivated by Threshers on 7/3/24 - promoted to Jersey Shore 8/20/24. Appeared in five games with Jersey Shore (5 IP, no runs allowed) - overall numbers for the season - 25 games (three starts) - 40.2 IP, 3.54 ERA, 50 K’s, 38 walks. Likely begins 2025 with Jersey Shore.
RH Jose Pena - 21 years old - 2021 7th round draft selection - Tampa Prep HS, Tampa, FL - posted a 4-3 record in 32 relief appearances (51 IP) with a 5.47 ERA, 71 K’s and 31 walks for Clearwater in his first year of full season team play after spending his initial three seasons at the complex playing for the FCL Phillies. He is an energetic young man who’s exuberance shines thru, always one of the first to applaud when his team is doing well. Jose has a power curve/slider that is a swing and miss pitch, gets great movement and spin - it is an out maker that compliments a 92-96 mph fastball. He trains in the off-season in the Dominican, has always had great movement and spin on his pitches - further harnessing the command/control would put him in a position to climb the rungs of the system - the stuff is there. He’s still growing into his body, could become a very good prospect once that happens and he continues to emotionally mature/develop. A move up to Jersey Shore out of spring camp is very possible else another opening day with the Threshers would also provision opportunities.
RH Drew Garrett - 24 years old - 2022 19th round draft selection - University of Missouri - appeared in 29 games (40.2 IP) in 2024 for Clearwater posting a 3.54 ERA with 5 saves - struck out 56 batters but walked 47. It was the first full-season team assignment for Drew who spent the first two years of his pro career at the complex initially working with the rehab team after TJ surgery and then pitching for the FCL Phillies to regain form. He was noted as a big arm reliever who was flashing upper nineties as a collegian but one who battled throwing strikes. As a professional he’s altered his mechanics and scaled back on the velocity a bit - he was excellent during the Threshers first half playoff run posting a 1.69 ERA in 15 games (21.1 IP) with 35 K’s. Control was still a battle throughout the season and command became more of an issue in the second half as well when he posted a 5.59 ERA in 14 games (19.1 IP) with 21 K’s and 28 walks. Drew has strikeout stuff - he features a 93 to 97 mph fastball, cutter, curve and slider - it’s a matter of finding the zone repeatedly and throwing quality strikes. He is a hard worker and continues to do so this off-season - with a good spring camp he could be part of the Jersey Shore 2025 opening day roster.
RH Jonh Henriquez - 25 years old - signed as an international free agent - 6/7/22 - San Francisco de Macoris, Dominican Republic - we first saw Jonh on video in 2022 as he made his pro debut in the DSL with the Phillies Red team, what stood out was the ball movement and velocity, he was a signee at the Academy and the talent discovery got folks really excited. In 2024 he began the year on the IL and spent the spring working with the rehab team at the complex. He pitched for the FCL Phillies in May appearing in three games before joining the Clearwater Threshers on 5/30/24. Jonh then finished the year with the Threshers appearing in 20 games (31.1 IP) posting a 3.45 ERA with 34 K’s and 19 walks. He has shown the ability to pitch multiple innings and continued to do that in 2024 going into two or more innings in 13 of his 20 games. He features a multi pitch mix - four seamer - 92 to 96 mph, sinker, slider, curve, change-up and cutter but predominantly uses the four seamer, the spin generated on the fastball and slider has shown in the major league levels. The key for him is going right at hitters, the first time we saw the slider and mechanics up close on the back fields we were very impressed. Great attitude and work ethic. Will need to continually harness control to climb the ladder. Jonh didn’t start pitching until just a few years ago - he’s relatively inexperienced. Should compete for a role on the 2025 JS open opening day staff this spring.
RH Josh Bortka - 25 years old - 2022 16th round draft selection - Central Missouri University - began the year with the rehab team at the complex on the IL - pitched in one game for the FCL Phillies before being assigned to the Clearwater Threshers on 5/7/24 - appeared in 22 games with CW (29 IP) recording a 5.90 ERA with 42 K’s and 14 walks. Throws a sinker (sits in a range of 92 to 95 mph) curve and slider. Will use his slider as primary pitch, it’s a pitch that gets into well above average spin rates (2,700 to 3,000 rpm’s) that generates swings and misses. Issues have been command and control - when he’s throwing strikes is very effective. Will compete in 2025 spring camp for a JS opening day roster spot.
RH Chase Hopewell - 23 years old, turns 24 in January - signed as an un-drafted free agent - 7/19/23 - University of Cincinnati - is tall and lanky with an over the top delivery, hides ball in his glove behind a big leg tuck - for those that can remember way back in the day how Ron Reed used to delivery pitches it’s akin to it. Pitched for Clearwater in 2024 - 23 appearances (30 IP) with a 7.20 ERA - 28 K’s and 15 walks - 13 of the 25 runs he was charged with came in four games over five IP - in the other 19 appearances his ERA was 3.96. He was a starting pitcher in college - converted to a multi-inning reliever as a pro going two innings in seven of his games in 2024 - ended the season on the IL with an oblique injury - seems ready to go now. Fastball range in 2024 was 92-96 mph, touched 97-98 and he also threw a sinker, changeup and curve. Will compete this spring for a role with Jersey Shore, could be an option as a starter for Clearwater as well.
LH Erubiel Armenta - 24 years old, turns 25 in March - signed as an international free agent - 7/11/19 - Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico - earned the nickname “Everyday Erubiel” from the Jersey Shore radio broadcasters due to his “rubber arm” ability to seemingly pitch everyday during the 2022 season with the BlueClaws. He missed all of 2023 and 2024 recovering from TJ surgeries - had to have a second procedure in 2024. When we watched him pitch in the past he has a delivery similar to Aroldis Chapman and is a big body ( 6’3” ) - generally sat mid 90’s with his fastball with late ride and life - changeup is a strikeout pitch. Mechanics sometimes got out of kilter which caused him to fly open but when he was on every pitch came from the same arm slot. Mix before the injury was a fastball (sits 94 to 95 mph, flashed higher), change up, slider, and curve. Hopefully returns to action at some point in 2024 - when ready might begin with Jersey Shore, before the injury was on target to bump up to Reading.
RH Saul Teran - 22 years old, turns 23 in March - signed as an international free agent - 2/2/21 - Caracas, Venezuela - was the Clearwater Threshers closer till going on the IL on 7/9/24 - didn’t return to game action till 9/5/24. He was 3-1 in 22 appearances (25 IP) with a 3.96 ERA, seven saves in eighth opportunities - 36 K’s and 19 walks. He is now pitching in the Venezuelan Winter League. Saul is a very athletic pitcher who has a swing and miss slider with sharp break and action, big league spin and movement, it’s his primary pitch. His four seam fastball velocity sits 91 to 94 mph and he also throws a sinker. The slider is his ticket to advance - adding strength might add a notch or two in velo to the fastball as well. Likely in the mix for a JS bullpen spot this coming spring camp.
RH Nate Karaffa (23 years old), RH Wen Hui Pan (22 years old) and RH Alex Rao (25 years old) all saw time with Jersey Shore in 2024 however each has had Tommy John surgery and it’s likely that they will miss most or all of the 2025 season while working their way back with the rehab team in Clearwater.
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
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