10/14/25 : Annual Phillies Minor League Player Notes - Pitchers - Part Two

This Phillies off-season I will continue the series  “Annual Phillies Minor League Player Notes” with profiles presented in groupings by defensive positions for the 175 players who were still part of the minor league player development program at season’s end. The notes will reflect statistics, my thoughts on each player and input from them and others as I have it. They are presented in order by position and then alphabet in groupings of five players per article. Here’s Part Two of the pitchers highlighting the following :

Andrew Baker

Gabriel Barbosa

Keegan Batka

Andrew Bechtold

Brandon Beckel

RH Andrew Baker  - 25 years old (26 on 3/24/26)- 2021 11th round draft choice - Chipola Junior College - Florida

2025 Stats :  began the year with Jersey Shore, promoted to Reading on 4/22, returned to Jersey Shore on 5/20 and later transferred back to Reading on 8/13. He made 43 total appearances recording a 4.86 ERA in 53.2 IP with 70 K’s and 22 BB (his lowest full season career mark for walks). At Jersey Shore he pitched in 27 games (34 IP) with a 4.24 ERA - 43 K’s, 13 BB. Strong numbers in July (8 games - 10.1 IP, 2.61 ERA, 12 K’s, 2 BB, 0.68 WHIP, .136 BAA) and August (2.57 ERA in 11 games - 14 IP, 18 K’s, 6 BB).

2025 Notes :  it’s never been a question of whether the stuff can play at the highest level because it can but rather can Andrew consistently show both command and control in his outings. After spending the majority of 2024 with Reading the focus was to build such consistency this summer predominately at lower level Jersey Shore. After a rocky start to the year the latter months showed promise. His four seam fastball sits in the 94-98 mph range with a put-away slider and curve as secondaries along with a cutter. He is Rule 5 eligible this off-season and has plans to pitch in the Puerto Rico Winter League. There are times I’ve watched Andrew pitch and can see major league talent - he’s a converted catcher and his primary experience as a pitcher has been as a professional. He’s persevered thru multiple struggles thru his career - am hopeful that consistency is found and he reaches his vast potential.

Andrew’s season reflections :   “I learned a lot this season about throwing strikes and not walking people by incorporating drills and mental practice to feel free during outings. I was happy with my year. I’m gonna play in San Juan, PR for winter ball.”

RH Gabriel Barbosa  - 23 years old (24 on 1/22/26) - acquired in the minor league Rule 5 draft 12/11/24 from the Yankees

2025 Stats :  pitched at three levels - began the year with Clearwater - 16 appearances (4 starts) - 40 IP - 3.83 ERA - 33 K’s, 17 BB - promoted to Jersey Shore on 6/27 - excelled there - 4 starts (23.1 IP) posting a 1.16 ERA with 18 K’s and 6 BB, 0.90 WHIP and .174 BAA - promoted to Reading on 7/31 - appeared in 13 games (23.2 IP - 5.70 ERA - 18 K’s, 6 BB). Had an overall solid season with a 3.62 ERA in 33 games (8 starts) - 87 IP.

2025 Notes :  was originally signed by the Rockies on 7/2/18 from Bastos, Brazil. The Yankees selected him in the minor league Rule 5 draft on 12/11/23 and he pitched all of 2024 for their Low A affiliate in Tampa. Four Seam fastball in the 89-92 range, slider, change-up, curve, sinker and cutter. Uses mix and pitch-ability to get batters out. He re-signed with the Phillies for next season foregoing minor league free agency.

RH Keegan Batka  - 23 years old (24 on 5/1/26) - signed as an un-drafted free agent 7/22/25 - Davenport University, MI

2025 Stats :  appeared in two games with the Threshers (2 scoreless IP, 2 H, 0 BB, 2 K’s). Spent the majority of his time after signing working at the complex - was activated with Clearwater on 8/30.

2025 Notes :  I was able to watch one of his bullpen sessions at the complex, delivers from a three quarter arm slot - he’s got pop - has a four seamer in the 93-97 mph range supported by a sinker, slider, curve and change-up. Was a dominant pitcher at Division Two level Davenport as a starting pitcher and I would expect that he will get the opportunity to also start as a professional - likely at Clearwater to begin 2026 - will participate in Fall High Performance Camp. The club may have found another hidden gem in the un-drafted free agent signing category.

RH Andrew Bechtold  - 29 years old (30 on 4/18/26) - signed as a minor league free agent 1/31/25 from Blue Jays

2025 Stats :  pitched at two levels - broke spring camp with Reading - appeared in 36 games (38 IP) posting a 4.26 ERA with 53 K’s and 20 BB. Promoted to Lehigh Valley on 9/2 - pitched in 5 games - tagged for 8 runs on 8 hits, 2 BB in 4 IP - 3 K’s. Overall pitched in 41 games (42 IP) with a 5.57 ERA - 58 K’s, 23 BB.

2025 Notes :  showed a big arm in spring camp that earned him four Grapefruit League appearances. Four seam fastball in the 95-99 mph range with a cutter and slider as secondaries. Was the 2017 5th round draft choice of the Twins as an infielder from Chipola Junior College in Florida - went to Garnett Valley High School in Glen Mills, PA and lives in Chadds Ford. He converted to pitching full time in 2023 with the Twins pitching at the AAA level - was at AA and AAA with the Blue Jays in 2024. A very nice young man who I spoke with and featured in an article during spring training. He re-signed with the Phillies for next season foregoing minor league free agency.

RH Brandon Beckel  - 23 years old (24 on 10/20/25) - drafted in 12th round of the 2023 draft from Texas Tech

2025 Stats :  pitched the majority of the season at High A Jersey Shore as a spot starter/bulk reliever and had a very good year.  Appeared in 27 games (7 starts) posting a 3.27 ERA in 76 IP with 70 K’s and 27 walks - opponents hit .220 against him. Made a cameo appearance with Reading on 7/29 when they were short staffed but returned to JS immediately thereafter. Finished the year on a high note - his last four appearances were all starts - 19 IP, 2.37 ERA, 16 K’s, 6 BB.

2025 Notes :  Has a sharp darting 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. Mostly used in a multi inning role - it’s how he was used in college as well.  He set new career marks for IP, K’s and ERA - he’s intriguing - especially the slider and his ability to generally throw strikes - made more quality pitches this summer as well.  Likely bumps up to Reading out of 2026 spring camp perhaps even as a starter.

Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️

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