By my count the Phillies presently have 152 players on their minor league roster, since it is the off-season they are permitted 175 spots. Those remaining will be filled by free agent signings, perhaps some minor league rule 5 draftees and maybe a few trades.
This article is the second of a series on the minor league players I’ve yet to write about since the season ended - if you missed the first on the catchers - here’s the link - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/11-12-24-system-review-catchers
My initial off-season article was on 10/14 on free agents to be https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/10-14-24-minor-league-free-agency.
That was followed by two articles on 10/20 https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/10-20-24-on-the-cusp-part-one-of-two and 10/21 https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/10-20-24-on-the-cusp-part-one-of-two about players on the cusp of contributing to the major leagues. On 11/3 I wrote about Rule 5 considerations https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/11-3-24-rule-five-considerationsand then a spotlight piece on Alex McFarlane on 11/8 https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/11-8-24-spotlight-alex-mcfarlane.
The off-season roster build is in progress - I continue with a look (position by position) of returning players and where they might be assigned - this one on third basemen.
AAA Lehigh Valley :
Otto Kemp - 25 years old - primarily a third baseman but he’s also capable of playing 1B, 2B and the outfield. Otto signed as an un-drafted free agent 8/1/22 from Point Loma Nazarene University in California - RH hitter and thrower - began 2024 on the IL with an oblique strain - was placed on rehab assignment with the Threshers in early April and played five games there before joining Jersey Shore where he posted a .333/.440/.533 slash line and .973 OPS in 182 plate appearances. Was promoted to Reading on 6/11/24 - at the AA level he hit .258/.353/.476 with an .829 OPS with 60 hits in 273 plate appearances - 38 runs scored, 12 doubles, 3 triples, 11 home runs, 39 RBIs and 23 walks. Promoted to AAA Lehigh Valley on 9/6/24. Will very likely open 2025 as an IronPig but I have a feeling he’s gonna show really well in big league spring training camp (likely non-roster invitation).
Throughout his career to date he has been an on-base machine showing patience at the plate and a willingness to accept walks while also being a reliable run producer. Can drive the baseball, particularly into the gaps however we’ve also seen the ability to take the ball out of the yard. Gives a professional effort in each plate appearance. Defensively he learned to play second base after diligent work in practice beginning with efforts shortly after signing however he excels at third base, makes spectacular plays there. Strong arm and great instincts. Otto told me this summer that “At the plate I’m just trying to do damage. My approach changes from at bat to at bat depending on lots of different factors, but the intent never changes.”
I can envision him in a Ben Zobrist type big league role or as an everyday third baseman - he is the type of hitter any club wants - works counts, gets on base and can hit with power. He finished his season in the Arizona Fall League - had a very strong AFL season posting a .289/.460/.733 slash line and a 1.194 OPS in 63 plate appearances with 6 home runs and 22 RBIs - adding that data to his regular season minor league totals with the Phillies he hit 22 home runs and posted 88 RBIs for the year in 592 plate appearances with a .285 batting average (139 for 487), outstanding year for the young man! And to top it all off he recently got married (it’s why his AFL season ended early). It is my belief based upon watching him play that he’s very capable of playing everyday in the major leagues, as I’ve said he’s a very good fielding third baseman, perhaps the headiest base runner in the system, an overall good player - and he can freaking hit - just sayin. 🤓
Trevor Schwecke - 26 years old, turns 27 in December - selected in the minor league portion of the Rule 5 draft 12/6/23 from the Toronto Blue Jays organization - was the Blue Jays 13th round draft pick in the 2019 draft from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. Trevor played 2B, SS, 3B and LF in 2024 - began the year with Reading and finished with Lehigh Valley - overall hit .249/.322/.375 in 347 plate appearances with 19 doubles, 5 home runs and 36 RBIs - provides a steady professional approach to every opportunity he’s afforded to play in. Acknowledged as a well received and liked teammate who personifies a collaborative team spirit. Likely opens the year in Lehigh Valley in a similar role as last season.
AA Reading :
Zach Arnold - 23 years old - 2023 14th round draft selection - University of Houston. Played at two levels in 2024 - 75 games at Jersey Shore and 19 with Reading (was promoted 8/13/24). Hit .233/.309/.294 overall in 354 plate appearances with 7 doubles, 3 triples, 2 home runs and 37 RBIs. Had an outstanding month of July with Jersey Shore (.361/.431/.410 in 72 plate appearances with 11 RBIs). Played the majority of his time at 3B in 2024 but also saw action at 1B, 2B, SS and LF. Was Houston’s primary shortstop in college transferring from LSU after his sophomore season. Is regarded as having very good athleticism and power potential. Is likely to open 2025 as a lineup regular with Reading.
Erick Brito - 22 years old - signed as an international free agent 11/29/18 - Ciudad Guayana, Venezuela - played at two levels in 2024 - 70 games with Jersey Shore and 41 with Reading (promoted 7/16/24). Overall hit .243/.319/.326 with 22 doubles, 2 home runs, 30 RBIs and 21 stolen bases in 437 plate appearances. Played defensively at 2B, SS and 3B in 2024 but has also played 1B and all three outfield spots. Erick has made a steady progression in his pro career playing initially in the Dominican Summer League for two seasons before advancing to Clearwater in 2022 where he was the primary shortstop. In 2023 he began at Clearwater as the primary second baseman, was promoted to Jersey Shore on 6/13/23 and played mostly shortstop thereafter for the BlueClaws. We have seen him play all four infield spots, has shown good defensive skills and has made some spectacular plays as well, good range and decent arm wherever he plays. Offensively has shown some pop, will generally give a good plate appearance each time, battles and has delivered some key hits. He will surprise you with his power, we’ve seen him turn pitches around quickly and deep beyond the fences. Is Rule 5 eligible this off-season, will likely begin 2024 at Reading in an utility infield role but could see a lot of time at both second and third base. Plays hard and smart baseball, knows how to win.
High A Jersey Shore :
Carson DeMartini - 21 years old, will be 22 in December - 2024 4th round draft pick - Virginia Tech University - advanced left handed hitter who posted a .315/.385/.478 slash line in 104 plate appearances at Clearwater after he signed with 5 doubles, 2 triples, 2 home runs and 9 RBIs, he drew 9 walks, struck out 14 times and stole 8 bases. Showed strong contact skills offensively with pop that was “loud” - the two home runs we saw at Clearwater jumped off his bat. Defensively played primarily third base in his initial 24 pro games but also saw time at both second base and shortstop. He played third base in college, to me that looks like where he belongs, plenty of arm to man the position and decent range. I think he’s a good candidate from the ‘24 draft class to advance out of spring camp directly to Jersey Shore and claim the post as primary third baseman. A lot to like in his game and approach.
Felix Reyes - 23 years old - signed as an international free agent 2/22/20 - Bani, Dominican Republic - Felix is a right handed hitter with enormous strength and power, when he connects the ball goes a very long way. We’ve now seen him play four seasons after he first arrived at Carpenter Complex in 2021. He’s a big fella at 6’4” - foot speed is a challenge however we’ve seen him make multiple athletic plays. It would be a mistake to label him as a “DH type”, he transitioned to third base nicely in 2023, has a decent arm and quick instincts. It’s that sound when a powerful hitter squares the ball up that gets ya off your feet to see how far it went that remains the intrigue, Felix has that capability. The challenge ahead is maintaining consistency, can’t teach the power and strength he possesses. He’s also a favorite amongst his teammates, upbeat and a great attitude. In 2024 with Jersey Shore he posted a .243/.280/.375 slash line in 353 plate appearances with 19 doubles, 8 home runs and 50 RBIs. He played 27 games at third base and 45 at first base during the season - in my opinion he’s more focused as a third baseman. Likely returns to Jersey Shore to begin the 2025 season in a similar role.
Bryson Ware - 23 years old, turns 24 in December - 2023 8th round draft selection - University of Auburn - hit .293/.340/.465 in 27 games at Jersey Shore in 106 plate appearances after being promoted from Clearwater on 8/1/24. Overall he hit 17 doubles, 4 triples and 10 home runs with 52 RBIs in 414 plate appearances. He played defensively at all four infield positions plus center and left field. Bryson is a hard nosed, smart ball player, he’s not a standout defender however his athleticism and intuition allows him to play well at each spot - from my perspective he’s most suited as a third baseman. He’s also shown the willingness to step up to any challenge put before him, as a hitter will always be in each AB, battles and has shown skills in both BP sessions I’ve seen as well as in games of having quick hands, ability to read and adjust to pitches - kid can play. Likely returns to Jersey Shore to begin the ‘25 season but could bump to Reading out of spring camp as well.
Diego Gonzalez - 21 years old - signed as an international free agent 7/2/19 from Barquisimeto, Venezuela - began the 2024 season in extended spring camp and then with the FCL Phillies - selected to Clearwater Threshers on 5/30 - played in 44 games with Threshers - 152 plate appearances - .265/.362/.394 with 6 doubles, 1 triple, 3 home runs and 21 RBIs. Was transferred to AAA Lehigh Valley as a fill-in for four games - finished the season with Jersey Shore - 9 games. Defensively played mostly third base but also saw time at second base and shortstop. Is playing winter league baseball with the Adelaide Giants in the Australian Baseball League. When given the opportunity usually plays well.
Low A Clearwater/Extended Spring Training :
Aroon Escobar - 19 years old, turns 20 in January - signed as an international free agent 1/15/22 from Caracas, Venezuela - 2024 was his first stateside season and he hit .338/.495/.481 with a .976 OPS in 104 plate appearances with 2 doubles, 3 home runs, 17 RBIs, 21 walks, 10 strikeouts and 9 stolen bases for the FCL Phillies. He did not play after 6/8 with lower leg issues - never went on the IL but worked with the rehab team at the Complex the balance of the year. I just chatted with him yesterday, he’s in CW at the complex continuing his work, is taking ground balls as well as fly balls in the outfield. Aroon has a thick body with a very muscular build, wide shoulders. This summer and in past times when I’ve seen him play in the DSL (on video) he’s shown incredible power along with bat speed, a “professional hitter” that works counts, controls his at bats and generally puts the ball in play. He’s got a chance to be a star in the making. Defensively he’s played more second base than third base, I like his instincts and glove work at each position, has always shown a strong arm as well. Plans are for him to be part of the 2025 Clearwater Threshers opening day roster, will very likely see time at both second and third - could even play some outfield as he’s looked very comfortable out there as well in drills this fall. A name to remember - I’ve got a feeling he’s gonna excel.
Nikau Pouaka-Grego - 20 years old - signed as an international free agent 1/17/22 from Christchurch, New Zealand - played in 54 games with the Clearwater Threshers in 2024 after missing the entirety of the 2023 season after major knee surgery. He had strong months of April and May before wearing down physically and finishing the year at the complex. Nikau’s 205 plate appearances were the most for a season in his career to date. There is evident talent, both in bat to ball skills and power from the left side of the plate. The eye-hand coordination stands out, has quick hands and good baseball instincts. He’s playing winter ball for Adelaide in the Australian Baseball League. Plays both second and third base, has the arm strength for third. With continued conditioning and another year removed from knee concerns am hopeful he breaks out in 2025 - will most likely get the chance to do so with the Threshers once again - young - plenty of time to progress. Very nice man as well, one of our favorites.
Nolan Beltran - 19 years old, turns 20 in January - signed as an international free agent 1/15/22 - Barranquilla, Colombia - 2024 was his first season stateside - played in 34 games for the FCL Phillies - 113 plate appearances - .234/.363/.372 slash line with 4 doubles, 3 home runs and 14 RBIs - defensively played primarily third base but also saw time in left field. Plays with great enthusiasm, well regarded for his attitude, popular teammate. Has shown pop, ability to drive the baseball. Likely returns for another FCL season.
Yemil Rosario - 20 years old - signed as an international free agent 2/2/21 - Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic - played 1B, 2B and 3B for the 2024 FCL Phillies in 34 games after spending three seasons in the DSL. Good defender who struggled offensively this past season.
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
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