Baseball practice at the complex is only a week away with over sixty players scheduled to return for High Performance Camp next week.
I concluded my 38 part notes series detailing the Phillies minor leaguers we saw play during the 2023 season on 12/5/23 which encompassed a total of nearly 200 individual profiles on players. Here’s a link to the 12/5 last article in the series which contains within it links to the prior thirty seven if ya missed them 🤓. https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/12-5-23-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-outfielders-part-six
We now start a four part series outlining potential 2024 opening day landing points for Phillies minor league players. It’s far too early to do so as spring camps will play a large part to determine a much clearer view of who’s going where to start the season but nevertheless we venture down the path anyways. 🤓
The domestic minor league reserve active roster limit for 2024 once the AAA level season starts is 165 players, fourteen of which will be players optioned from the major League reserve list. The limit is 175 players prior to the season including spring training which excludes those on the 40 man roster. Active rosters at the AAA and AA levels are limited to 28 players with 30 players being the active roster sizes for both High A and Low A. There are no roster limits for extended spring training or the Florida Complex League other than the overall reserve cap. So in effect 116 active player spots is the maximum for the four full season squads however “inactive” players can practice with each of the teams if they are designated as being on the “development list”. Players on the various injured lists can also stay with the designated full season clubs as inactive spots however more often than not those players come to the Complexes for rehab training.
I’ll begin this series with a combined look at Extended Spring Training, the Florida Complex League and the Clearwater Threshers. In general the extended spring training (XST) roster participates in training sessions at the complexes from April thru early June which are then followed by a formalized sixty game Florida Complex League schedule. Players in extended spring training will also play informalized games against other organizations. Last year the Phillies group played about 25 games in XST against primarily the Blue Jays XST squad but also squared off against the Yankees,Tigers and Braves XST groups. XST stats or game results are not publicized (unless you read my page 👀😎). Multiple players participate in XST at various levels of their development, some working back from injuries, some waiting for a team assignment, others working on a particular skill enhancement along with young players that are in the early stages of learning their professional craft.
The Clearwater Threshers are the Low A level of play affiliate for the Phillies. Low A is the first rung of the ladder for what is referred to as “full season” play meaning that a formalized league game schedule is played from April to September. The Threshers are part of the ten team Florida State League. The Low A level is typically made up of players in their first or second seasons of “full season” play.
The Phillies organization has a very talented group of young players including quite a few teenagers - some will make their full season debuts in 2024 with the Clearwater Threshers however many will begin the season in extended spring training and play in the FCL. Here’s my view of the players likely in the mix at these levels. Again more detailed information on each player can be found using the link above to get to my annualized player notes.
Pitchers :
Potential Starters/Bulk Relievers :
RH Jake Eddington - 22 years old - 2023 7th round draft selection - Missouri State - has yet to appear in a professional game - started in 14 of his 15 appearances in college during the 2023 season - likely opens with Threshers
RH Jayden Estanista - 22 years old - from Willemstad, Curacao - signed 11/8/19 - 2023 was a year of personal growth which was also hampered by some injury setbacks - I expect a bounce back season - has a big time arm. Likely opens with Threshers, possibly Jersey Shore.
LH Mavis Graves - 20 years old - 2022 6th round draft selection - Eastside HS , Taylors, SC - finished the 2023 season strong in the FCL - is ready to make the jump to full season play with the Threshers.
RH Micah Ottenbreit - 20 years old - 2021 4th round draft selection - Trenton HS , Trenton, MI - spent 2023 rehabbing from TJ surgery - is now ready to go - has all the goods to advance - most likely will start the season with the Threshers.
RH George Klassen - 21 years old - 2023 6th round draft selection - University of Minnesota - has yet to pitch in a professional game - big arm, triple digits fastball - started 13 of his 14 appearances in college in 2023 - likely begins the year with the Threshers.
RH Luke Russo - 22 years old - 2023 16th round draft selection - Eastern Michigan University - did not pitch professionally in 2023 - features a fastball that sits in the mid-nineties and has a plus breaking ball. Likely begins with the Thresher.
RH Hunter Loyd - 23 years old - signed as an un-drafted free agent from Campbell University on 7/18/23 - appeared in seven games in 2023 - six with the Threshers - was a starting pitcher during his collegiate career - likely opens the year with the Threshers in an important bulk reliever role.
RH Casey Steward - 22 years old - 2023 19th round draft pick - Washburn University - appeared in five games in 2023 with the FCL Phillies and Threshers - was a starting pitcher in college - could continue in that role or as a bulk reliever.
RH Oswald Medina - 22 years old - signed 5/9/19 from Puerto Cabello, Venezuela - had some shoulder issues last season and appeared in just seven games - I think could begin year again with Threshers but is also a Jersey Shore High A candidate.
RH Ezequiel Ventura - 21 years old - signed 8/7/18 - Maracaibo, Venezuela - was promoted from the DSL to FCL in July and to the Threshers in August - finished the year as a starter - likely returns to open the year with the Threshers.
RH Daniel Mejia - 21 years old - signed 2/2/21 - San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic - pitched last season in the FCL - his second at that level - is a candidate for the Threshers opening day roster.
RH Jose Pena Jr - 20 years old - 2021 6th round draft selection - Tampa Prep HS , Tampa, FL - has spent two seasons in the FCL primarily as a bulk reliever - has worked hard this off season on conditioning and delivery.
RH Enrique Segura - 19 years old - signed 1/15/22 - San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic - made ten starts last season in FCL - exciting power arm with great movement on his pitches - another season in extended may be required - potential big talent.
RH Wilmer Blanco - 19 years old - signed 12/14/21 - Maracay, Venezuela - pitched last two seasons in the Dominican Summer League - expected to make stateside debut this year - likely begins in XST and pitches in FCL.
RH Alexis De La Cruz - 19 years old - signed 1/15/23 - Sosua, Dominican Republic - pitched his first pro season last year in the Dominican Summer League - large frame - big arm - expected to make stateside debut this year - likely begins in XST and pitches in FCL.
Relievers :
RH Luis Alcala - 23 years old - signed 4/2/19 from Guiria, Venezuela - pitched last year in FCL after spending previous three seasons in the DSL - is a strike thrower - in the mix for a Threshers spot.
RH Brandon Beckel - 22 years old - 2023 12th round draft selection - Texas Tech - was a back end reliever in college - pitched in just four games last year after being drafted - likely opens with Threshers.
RH Cam Brown - 22 years old - 2023 10th round draft selection - Texas Christian University - could also be used as a starter as he did that in college. Likely starts season with Threshers.
RH Ethan Chenault - 22 years old - 2023 18th round draft selection - UNC Wilmington - did not pitch in a professional game last season. Has big spin on breaking pitches - likely starts season with Threshers.
RH Trey Dillard - 25 years old - signed as a free agent 7/25/23 - Texas A&M - 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. Has battled back from injuries including two TJ surgeries - upper nineties heat - likely starts year with Threshers but could go up a notch as well.
RH Chase Hopewell - 22 years old - signed as an un-drafted free agent 7/29/23 from the University of Cincinnati - made two appearances with the FCL Phillies - started in 26 of his 40 collegiate appearances.
RH Nate Karaffa - 22 years old - 2022 20th round draft selection - Ohio State - made eight appearances with the FCL Phillies and fourteen with the Threshers - had limited innings - could begin the year with the Threshers.
RH Saul Teran - 21 years old - signed 2/2/21 - Caracas, Venezuela - finished the ‘23 season with the Threshers appearing in six games after pitching in fifteen with the FCL Phillies as a back end hurler, has strikeout stuff - likely opens the year with the Threshers.
RH Paxton Thompson - 24 years old - signed 8/4/23 as an un-drafted free agent - University of Charlotte - made six appearances with the FCL Phillies and Threshers in 2023 - five with Clearwater.
RH Brayden Tucker - 24 years old - signed 7/19/23 as an un-drafted free agent - Lipscomb University - appeared in five games with the FCL Phillies and Threshers in 2023 - was a starter during his year at Lipscomb but primarily a reliever at the University of Indiana before that.
RH Ty Collins - 22 years old - 2021 16th round draft selection - Glendale Community College - has spent the past three seasons with the FCL Phillies.
RH Javier Fuenmayor - 20 years old - signed 8/2/19 - Maracaibo, Venezuela - appeared in 11 FCL games in 2023 after being promoted from the DSL on 7/2/23 - throws strikes and goes right at hitters.
RH Eric Garcia - 23 years old - signed as an un-drafted free agent - 8/1/22 - Eastern Florida State Junior College - appeared in 15 FCL games in 2023.
RH Drew Garrett - 23 years old - 2022 19th round draft selection - University of Missouri - was activated from the IL on 7/5/23 and appeared in 12 FCL games - his first pro action after rehabbing from TJ surgery.
RH Luis Gomez - 22 years old - signed 7/14/17 - Santa Teresa del Tuy, Venezuela - spent four seasons in the DSL before being promoted to the FCL Phillies on 6/5/23 - made 19 appearances with the FCL Phillies in 2023.
Pitchers who will begin the year and spend most if not all of it with Rehab Team in Clearwater - all are working back from TJ surgeries :
RH Alex McFarlane
RH Andrew Painter
RH Guissepe Velasquez
LH Erubiel Armenta
RH Marty Gair
RH Alex Garbrick
Catchers :
Kehden Hettiger - 19 years old - 2023 11th round draft selection - Sierra Canyon HS, Chatsworth, CA - switch hitter - played in 10 FCL games in 2023 - very strong throwing arm - has a strong chance of beginning the year with the Threshers.
Leonardo Rondon - 19 years old - signed 2/2/21 - Caracas, Venezuela - switch hitter - played in 27 FCL games in 2023 and posted solid numbers - versatile player who can also play first, second and third base. Terrific attitude and very good hitter, another who has a strong chance at opening day Threshers roster.
Gus Sosa - 22 years old - 2022 10th round draft selection - South Mountain CC, Arizona - RH hitter - one of the better throwing catchers in the system - battled injuries last season - played 22 games in the FCL - likely on opening day roster of Threshers or BlueClaws.
Kliubert Avila - 20 years old - signed 11/27/19 - Caracas, Venezuela - RH hitter - played in nine games with FCL Phillies and Threshers last season.
Lou Albrecht - 22 years old - signed 7/21/23 as an un-drafted free agent - Central Arizona JC - RH hitter - played in five games with the FCL Phillies in 2023.
Jose Colmenarez - 21 years old - signed 7/2/19 - Mariara, Venezuela - RH hitter - played in nine FCL games in 2023, spent a good deal of time on the IL.
Jorge Mendez - 20 years old - signed 8/2/19 - Maracay, Venezuela - RH hitter - played in 25 games for the FCL Phillies in 2023. Very good defender who handles the bat well also.
Jackie Pertuz - 21 years old - signed 7/2/19 - Barranquilla, Colombia - LH hitter - played in 18 games with the FCL Phillies in 2023, his second year stateside.
Luis Caicuto - 20 years old - selected in 2023 minor league rule five draft from Diamondbacks organization - signed by Arizona on 7/2/19 from Lecheria, Venezuela - RH hitter - Played in just nine games last season in AZL due to injuries, prior season played in 30 games and hit .352.
Ricardo Perez - 20 years old - signed 2/2/21 from Valencia, Venezuela - LH hitter - spent the entirety of last season on the suspended list.
Eduardo Tait - 17 years old - signed 1/15/23 from Panama City, Panama - LH hitter who was a DSL all-star in his first pro season. Outstanding hitting tools, is expected to play stateside in 2024 - likely in the FCL.
Angel Mata - 18 years old - signed 4/14/22 from Cumana, Venezuela - RH hitter - has played the last two seasons in the DSL - a strong defender who is expected to come stateside in 2024 - likely in the FCL.
Infielders :
Keaton Anthony - 22 years old - signed as an un-drafted free agent - 1/18/23 - University of Iowa - RH power hitter - played in 16 games in 2023 with the FCL Phillies and Threshers - is a first baseman - likely opens the season with the Threshers
William Bergolla - 19 years old - signed 1/15/22 from Valencia, Venezuela - LH hitter who played in 68 games with the Threshers last season and more than held his own. Is a middle infielder who split time between second base and shortstop. Strong all around skills - likely opens the season with the Threshers.
Trent Farquhar - 22 years old - signed 7/19/23 as an un-drafted free agent from Michigan State University - played in 16 games in 2023 with the FCL Phillies and Threshers at second base - likely begins the 2024 campaign with Clearwater.
Aidan Miller - 19 years old - 2023 1st round draft selection - Mitchell HS , New Port Richey, FL - RH hitter - played in 26 games in 2023 with the FCL Phillies and Clearwater Threshers - all at shortstop defensively. Big bat. Will see action this coming season at both shortstop and third base. Will return to the Clearwater Threshers to open the season.
Nikau Pouaka-Grego - 19 years old - signed 1/17/22 from Christchurch, New Zealand - missed the entire 2023 season after undergoing an ACL reconstruction - outstanding hitting skills - LH batter - may start the season in XST but has the skill set to be a part of the Threshers - likely plays both second and third base.
Devin Saltiban - 19 years old - 2023 3rd round draft selection - Hilo HS , Hilo, HI - advanced offensive skills - RH hitter - has both speed and power - played in 10 games with the FCL Phillies in 2023 - great athleticism - will continue to learn the shortstop position but will also be used in a utility role playing the outfield and perhaps other positions. Can see him as part of the Threshers opening day roster.
Bryson Ware - 23 years old - 2023 8th round draft selection - University of Auburn - played in 26 games with the FCL Phillies and Threshers in 2023 - RH hitter - plays both second and third base - likely opens the season with the Threshers.
Pierce Bennett - 22 years old - 2023 20th round draft selection - Wake Forest University - played in 8 games with the FCL Phillies in 2023 - RH hitter - plays second base and the outfield.
Diego Gonzalez - 20 years old - signed 7/2/19 - Barquisimeto, Venezuela - RH hitter - played the past two seasons in the FCL - finished the season very strong - plays 2B,SS and 3B - should be in the mix for an opening day Threshers roster spot.
Lou Helmig - 20 years old - signed 1/16/22 - Paderborn, Germany - RH hitter - has played the past two seasons in the FCL - 1B,3B and outfield are his defensive positions.
Marco Soto - 19 years old - signed 2/2/21 - Maturin, Venezuela - switch hitter - had a solid first stateside season last year playing for the FCL Phillies in 35 games after spending his initial two seasons in the DSL - can play all four infield positions.
Ty Penner - 23 years old - signed 8/1/22 - British Columbia - LH hitter - spent almost the entire 2023 season on the IL - was activated 6/26 - played in 24 games with the FCL Phillies and Threshers - defensively plays 1B and 3B.
Jehisbert Sevilla - 20 years old - signed 7/2/19 - Maracay, Venezuela - played in 27 FCL games in 2023, his second year in the FCL - RH hitter - can play 2B, SS and 3B.
Starlyn Caba - 18 years old - signed 1/15/23 - Bonao, Dominican Republic - switch hitter - played in 38 DSL games in 2023 before injuring left elbow and requiring surgery - we’ve seen him in fielding drills at the complex during his rehab process - smooth and slick fielder, dynamic talent - expected to play stateside this year - likely in XST and the FCL.
Nolan Beltran - 18 years old - signed 1/15/22 - Barranquilla, Columbia - LH hitter - we saw him briefly a couple years ago in instructs - excellent fielder at both 2B and SS - solid hitter who has played the last two years in the DSL - expected to make stateside debut this year in XST and the FCL.
Aroon Escobar - 19 years old - signed 1/15/22 - Caracas, Venezuela - RH power hitter - we saw him as well a couple years ago in instructs - was injured last season and played in just 33 DSL games - powerful build, quick hands - plays 3B primarily but also has seen game action at both 2B and SS - expected to make stateside debut this year in XST and the FCL.
Outfielders :
Raylin Heredia - 20 years old - signed 2/2/21 - Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic - RH hitter - played in 58 games (23 with Threshers) in 2023 with the FCL Phillies and Clearwater - had an outstanding season - has all the tools to become a big leaguer - likely begins the 2024 season as a Threshers lineup regular - can play all three outfield spots - has a right fielder’s plus arm.
Avery Owusu-Asiedu - 20 years old - 2023 9th round draft selection - Southern Illinois-Edwardsville - RH hitter - little known fact is that internal data from sprints reflect that Avery is the fastest player in the organization. He’s an excellent center fielder and finished last year strong offensively as well in the FCL - I expect he will be on the Threshers opening day roster.
TJayy Walton - 18 years old - 2023 4th round draft selection - IMG Academy, Bradenton, FL - RH hitter - saw limited action with FCL Phillies in 2023 appearing in five games due to a hamstring issue. Is a physical specimen - in the limited action we saw him showed the ability to drive the baseball with authority - will turn 19 at end of January - may begin the year in XST to garner pro experience but seems to have the talent to play at the Low A level right now.
Jordan Viars - 20 years old - 2021 3rd round draft selection - Reedy HS , Frisco, TX - LH hitter - played in 87 games with the Threshers last season finishing strong with big playoff performances. May return to Clearwater to begin the season to gain more AB’s - has big power.
Ricardo Rosario - 20 years old - signed 7/2/19 - Maracay, Venezuela - RH hitter - played in 75 games with the Threshers last season and had some outstanding moments - is a very good defender with speed who can play all three outfield positions - also stole 29 bags in 2023 - could open the year with the Threshers to gain more AB’s.
Gavin Tonkel - 21 years old - 2021 9th round draft selection - Heritage HS , Brentwood, CA - RH hitter - played in 15 games in the FCL last season and put up very good numbers - has matured physically - very strong young man - missed the 2022 season due to injury - has both power and speed - primarily a left fielder - should be in the mix for a Threshers opening day role.
Yemal Flores - 20 years old - signed 2/2/21 - San Isidro, Dominican Republic - RH hitter - played in 14 games in the FCL last season in a year curtailed by injury - has big time power and in my opinion was primed for a breakout year - his third in the FCL - struggled the first two years but has turned the corner - anxious to see him perform this coming year.
Ezra Farmer - 20 years old - signed as an un-drafted free agent - 7/25/22 - Tahquitz HS, Hemet, CA - LH hitter - played in 12 FCL games in 2023 in a year which majority of time was dedicated to strength and conditioning - solid defender who can play either corner.
Jorge Garcia - 19 years old - signed 2/2/21 - Penonome, Panama - LH hitter - missed the entire 2023 season due to injury - was a DSL All-Star in 2022 and has a .308 career batting average over two DSL years of play. Is a solid defender with good ball tracking skills - can play all three positions - when healthy should be part of XST and the FCL Phillies.
Junior Marin - 19 years old - acquired from KC Royals organization in exchange for RHP James McArthur - was signed by KC on 3/23/21 from Punta de Piedras, Venezuela - RH hitter who put up very good numbers with the Royals in both the DSL and AZL - played in five games with FCL Phillies before being sidelined by injury - is learning to play 1B - was a left fielder in Royals system - likely in XST and with the FCL Phillies for 2024.
Albert Rodriquez - 21 years old - signed 11/25/19 - San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic - RH hitter - played in 24 games in the FCL last season - his second year in the FCL - has played all three outfield spots.
Santiago Torres - 21 years old - signed 7/2/19 - Barquisimeto, Venezuela - RH hitter - played in 36 FCL games in 2023 after playing his first two pro seasons in the DSL - great attitude and very strong defender - primarily a center fielder however can also play both corners.
AJ Shaver - 22 years old - 2023 17th round draft selection - Florida Southwestern State JC - RH hitter - played in 11 FCL games in 2023 - first career home run was a grand slam that we witnessed - suffered an injury near end of the year - if healthy will compete for a Threshers roster spot.
Yhoswar Garcia - 22 years old - signed 3/14/20 from Guatire, Venezuela - RH hitter - has battled the injury bug in his career - played in 35 FCL games in 2023 - a year for personal growth - has exceptional speed and can cover ground in the outfield - primarily a center fielder who can also play the corners.
Other Notes :
I stopped by the Baycare Ballpark stadium this morning and renewed my spring training season tickets - four seats plus a few more for individual games when family visits - photos below of the half field and entry way - place will be buzzing soon enough 🤓
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
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