Kyler Carmack was selected by the Phillies as their 2024 20th round draft choice from the University of Mississippi. Kyler began his collegiate career at Arkansas State and had a strong 2023 season (after red-shirting his freshman year) there making sixteen mound appearances, twelve of which were starts. He posted a 5-3 record, a 3.23 ERA and 60 strikeouts against 37 walks. He also played the outfield at Arkansas State appearing in 29 games and going 6 for 24 (.250) with a .379 OBP. Kyler then transferred to Ole Miss and in 2024 he appeared in 7 games (2 starts) posting a 5.17 ERA in 15.2 IP. He had decided to transfer back to Arkansas State for 2025 but instead signed with the Phillies after being drafted. Previous to college he starred in two sports at Cabot High School in his hometown of Cabot, Arkansas. Kyler was a prep standout both on the diamond (pitcher/outfield) and as a wide receiver/safety in football earning all-state and all-conference recognition in both sports.
After signing with the Phillies the now 22 year old appeared in three games with the 2024 Clearwater Threshers and pitched 3.2 innings showing a 93-94 mph fastball that can touch 95/96 as well as three breaking ball deliveries. Kyler is currently participating in Winter High Performance Camp at Carpenter Complex in Clearwater. I recently had a chance to ask him a few questions - here’s our interaction.
You were a two sport athlete in high school - winning all-state honors in both football (WR/S) and baseball (P/OF). What made you choose baseball over football as your college pursuit?
“I only had an offer for baseball from Arkansas State. I wish I played football too though. I feel like I could have been a pretty good receiver.”
You were a starter at Arkansas State your first year of play but threw mostly out of the bullpen last season at Ole Miss - any preference? Which do you find more challenging?
“I prefer starting but I really just want to be on the mound. They both have different challenges. It’s always the same to start the game but it could be a different situation every time you come out of the bullpen.”
You were initially at Arkansas State and had entered the transfer portal to go back there next season - instead you signed with the Phillies? Was it a difficult decision to turn pro rather than return to school?
“Well the goal was always to become pro. If the Phillies hadn’t drafted me, I would have been just fine in Jonesboro. I was excited for what they were doing for that program.”
What pitches do you feature?
“Four-seam fastball, change-up, cutter and slurve.”
This is your second High Performance Camp - what do you find most beneficial from these camps in particular and how does the winter version differ from the fall camp?
“Gaining weight and getting stronger. I’ve added some pounds at both camps which was a goal of the off season. Fall was more lifting and less throwing and now we are ramping up for spring training along with lifting.”
I thank Kyler for answering my inquiries. We wish him well this season and in years to come, I haven’t watched him in a bullpen yet but plan to in the near future.
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
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