11/17/25 : Annual Phillies Minor League Player Notes - Infielders - Part Three
- Steve Potter
- 55 minutes ago
- 7 min read
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 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 players per article. Here’s part three of the infielders highlighting the following :
Nick Dunn
Aroon Escobar
Jose Familia
Trent Farquhar
Matthew Ferrara
Adrian Garcia
Otto Kemp
Nick Dunn - 28 years old (29 on 1/29/26) - acquired in trade with Mariners 6/14/25
2025 Stats : LH hitter - RH thrower - played in 43 games - 177 plate appearances with Reading - .225/.333/.404 with a .737 OPS, 6 doubles, 7 home runs, 25 RBIs, 23 walks and 12 strikeouts. Played in 10 games - 38 plate appearances with Lehigh Valley - .265/.324/.382 with a .706 OPS. Also played in 29 games with AAA Tacoma (Mariners affiliate) where he hit .184 in 108 plate appearances. Has a career .272/.353/.390 slash line in 688 minor league games with 45 home runs. Defensively is primarily a second baseman but also has played some at third base.
2025 Notes : he’s from Sunbury, PA and graduated from Shikellamy HS. Played three years at the University of Maryland - was drafted by the St Louis Cardinals in the 5th round of the 2018 draft - reached the AAA level in the Cardinals organization in both 2023 and 2024 - had a .316/.374/.467 slash line and .841 OPS in 98 games for Memphis (361 plate appearances) in 2024 yet was released 9/26/24 - signed with Mariners 10/15/24. He was blocked by multiple middle infield options with the Cardinals - is known more for his offensive prowess - bat to ball, decent pop, puts ball in play as compared to his defense which lags a bit - he’s now a minor league free agent.
Aroon Escobar - 20 years old (21 on 1/1/26) - signed as an international free agent - 1/15/22 - Caracas, Venezuela
2025 Stats : RH hitter/thrower - plays primarily second base - makes great turns at second on double plays, strong accurate arm, quick exchange - good range as well - has also played third base. Began the year with Clearwater - 69 games - 316 plate appearances - .285/.377/.452 slash line, .829 OPS - 12 doubles, 11 home runs, 42 RBIs, 32 walks, 51 strikeouts and 10 stolen bases. Promoted to Jersey Shore on 7/8 - 46 games - 198 plate appearances - .256/.348/.369 slash line, .717 OPS - 3 triples, 4 home runs, 19 RBIs, 22 walks, 41 strikeouts and 14 stolen bases. Promoted to Reading on 9/8 - played in 5 games - 24 plate appearances. Overall season numbers - 120 games - 538 plate appearances - .270/.361/.413 slash line, .774 OPS - 13 doubles, 4 triples, 15 home runs, 62 RBIs, 56 walks, 98 strikeouts, 24 stolen bases.
2025 Notes : had a breakout season - strong stocky build - ball jumps off his bat, quick hands, powerful swing - hits the ball hard, patient hitter who will take his walks, when he hits it can drive the ball out of any park. We first met him a few years back, initially saw him play in person in 2024 on the backfields of the FCL where he performed very well before being sidelined by shin splints. Has all the tools along with the passion and desire to reach the majors as a lineup regular - loves the game and playing it - shines thru - infectious smile. Has fun playing - has his own version of the Soto Shuffle. Is participating in Fall High Performance Camp - 2026 will be an interesting year - might open at Reading.
Jose Familia - 18 years old (19 on 8/16/26) - signed as an international free agent - 1/15/24 - El Fundo, DR
2025 Stats : LH hitter - RH thrower - played in 46 games - 160 plate appearances - .164/.238/.192 slash line and .430 OPS - 4 doubles, 8 RBIs, 12 walks, 61 strikeouts. Defensively played in 45 games at shortstop - made 25 errors - .857 fielding percentage.
2025 Notes : played stateside in only his second pro season - was just 17 years old and struggled both offensively and defensively- long (6’2”) angular build - has pop which I saw in multiple batting practice sessions - long swing which will need to be cut down to make consistent contact. Has all the attributes of a shortstop - range, arm, reads - was erratic however this past season in making the routine plays - still learning the position. Tough assignment at 17 to come stateside for any player but hopefully he can grow from it - likely returns to the backfields of FCL play again in 2026.
Trent Farquhar - 24 years old (25 on 3/12/26) - signed as an un-drafted free agent - 7/19/23 - Michigan State
2025 Stats : LH hitter - RH thrower - began the season with Reading - transferred to Jersey Shore 5/27 - placed on the IL 6/7 - rehab assignment with FCL Phillies and Clearwater in mid July - activated from the IL with Jersey Shore on 8/1. Played in 37 games - 153 plate appearances - .197/.333/.283 slash line with Reading - played in 29 games with Jersey Shore - 119 plate appearances - .229/.359/.281 slash line. Overall defensively played in 45 games at second base, 25 at third base and 5 at shortstop. Stole 19 bases this season, 28 last year.
2025 Notes : an injury riddled season after a solid 2024 year when he played well at three levels despite missing time with a broken hamate bone. He’s from Highland, Michigan and graduated from Lakeland High School. Initially played at Bowling Green University before transferring to Michigan State where he earned distinguished scholar honors. Works counts and is normally an on-base machine - .416 OBP in 750 college plate appearances and a .433 OBP in 2024. Is the cousin of fellow Phillies organization mate RHP Micah Ottenbreit. Was working with the rehab team at the Complex towards a healthy 2026 season, is now back home - ready to go. A smart, heady ball player who does things the right way, great spirit and dedication. Has the overall skills to continue climbing the ladder, his defensive versatility coupled with his ability to get on base and steal bags are his tickets upwards.
Matthew Ferrera - 18 years old (19 on 6/4/26) - drafted 9th rd - 2025 draft from Toms Rivers East HS, Toms River, NJ
2025 Stats : RH hitter/thrower - after signing spent most of his time working at the Complex in draftee mini camp. Was activated 8/12 and assigned to the Clearwater Threshers - played in 15 games - 64 plate appearances - .130/.266/.204 slash line with a double, home run and three RBIs. Played second base in all 15 games. In his senior year in high school he hit .405/.485/.667 with 13 doubles, three home runs, 34 runs scored, 22 RBI and 26 stolen bases.
2025 Notes : noted for his hard nosed approach and toughness - in high school showed standout offensive skills in power and average. He had committed to play for the University of Pittsburgh but signed with the Phillies instead. He played on the 2023 Jersey Shore team that won the Carpenter Cup championship. He grew up in Toms River which is approximately ten miles from Lakewood where the BlueClaws play - will be an easy trek for friends and family to see him play once he reaches that level. I’ve yet to see him play in person but have watched game streams - likely begins the 2026 season with Clearwater but given his age a few games on the backfields in extended spring and the FCL might be beneficial as well. Is in Fall High Performance Camp.
Adrian Garcia - 18 years old (19 on 11/27/25) - signed international free agent - 4/1/24 - Santiago, Dominican Republic
2025 Stats : Switch hitter - RH thrower - played in 44 games - 143 plate appearances with the FCL Phillies - .262/.329/.369 slash line with a .698 OPS - 6 doubles, 4 triples, 8 RBIs, 10 walks, 28 strikeouts and 3 stolen bases. Defensively played in 40 games at second base, and one each at third base and left field.
2025 Notes : was first year stateside after playing his initial pro season (2024) in the DSL. Finished the year with his best month - .280 batting average in 50 July AB’s. Was erratic as a fielder but also made some standout plays at second base. Will likely get a chance to bump up to Clearwater however it’s likely another season in the FCL is considered appropriate for his development.
Otto Kemp - 26 years old (27 on 9/9/26) - signed as an un-drafted free agent - 8/1/22 - Point Loma Nazarene, CA
2025 Stats : RH hitter/thrower - played in 74 games at Lehigh Valley - 343 plate appearances - .310/.417/.570 slash line and .987 OPS - 24 doubles, 16 home runs, 67 RBIs, 37 walks, 19 HBP, 84 strikeouts and 13 stolen bases. Was promoted to the Phillies the first time on 6/7 - he played in 62 major league games - 218 plate appearances - .234/.298/.411 slash line and .709 OPS - 11 doubles, 8 home runs, 28 RBIs, 12 walks, 67 strikeouts and 2 stolen bases. Overall he hit 27 doubles, 24 home runs and posted 95 RBIs for the season in combined minor/major league numbers. Defensively played first base, second base, third base and left field.
2025 Notes : played from June on with a broken kneecap and a right shoulder injury - never complained or missed time. He’s from Fullerton, California and graduated from Troy High School. Has overcome multiple injuries and medical issues throughout his high school, collegiate and pro career to date - is a battler and day to day grinder who also happens to have outstanding baseball talent - especially offensively. Was named the 2025 Paul Owens Award winner. I’ve written about him having big league skills since first seeing him doing defensive drills on the backfields and hitting both in BP and games shortly after his signing. Is very athletic and capable of playing multiple positions defensively - third base being the most familiar having played there in high school and college. I’ve seen him make spectacular plays at third but also struggle with routine plays, particularly glove side. He’s a hard worker and I’m convinced that with continued coaching that he can become a more reliable fielder at any position he’s asked to play. Has the hitting skills to be an everyday player - plays with a ton of heart as well. Don’t ever count him out - he never will.
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
Note : I've partnered with Fanatics on Phillies Merchandise - if you would like to help support my website and articles here's a link to order merchandise - I get a small commission on any sales - thanks for the support.