11/18/25 : Annual Phillies Minor League Player Notes - Infielders - Part Four

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 four of the infielders highlighting the following :

Rafael Lantigua

Francisco Loreto

Aidan Miller

Tyler Pettorini

Nikau Pouaka-Grego

Robert Moore

Robert Phelps

Rafael Lantigua - 27 years old (28 on 4/28/26) - signed as minor league free agent 12/27/24

2025 Stats :  RH hitter/thrower - played in 125 games - 495 plate appearances with Lehigh Valley - .230/.356/.330 slash line with a .686 OPS - 15 doubles, 2 triples, 7 home runs, 56 RBIs, 77 walks, 73 strikeouts, 17 stolen bases - defensively played second base (79 games - .981 fielding pct.), third base (34 games - 1.0000 fielding pct), shortstop (6 games - .938 fielding pct) and left field (4 games - 1.000 fielding pct). Was called up to the majors 9/29 but did not play in a game.  His best month was June - .303/.407/.421 slash line in 91 plate appearances.

2025 Notes :  he’s from Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic and was originally signed by the Toronto Blue Jays on 8/22/16. He spent his entire career in the Jays system before signing as a free agent with the Phillies. He’s small in stature (5’7”) but has some pop (46 career home runs) - is a smart, heady ball player who is all out hustle - can swing the bat - career .270/.368/.389 slash line in 3,357 plate appearances. Also plays each winter in the Dominican Winter League as he is again this year with the Toros del Este. Was out-righted off the 40 man roster on 11/6 and then elected free agency.

Francisco Loreto - 18 years old (19 on 6/21/26) - signed as international free agent 1/15/24 - Maracay, Venezuela

2025 Stats : RH hitter/thrower - played in 47 games - 193 plate appearances - .237/.332/.396 slash line with a .796 OPS - 10 doubles, 1 triple, 5 home runs, 16 RBIs, 19 walks, 46 strikeouts - defensively played third base for the first time (was signed as a catcher) in 44 games - struggled with 23 errors - .822 fielding percentage - also played 2 games at second base. In his first pro season in 2024 played in the DSL - caught 11 games and one at second base.

2025 Notes :  the FCL team needed a third baseman and Francisco was chosen - I watched him in multiple games - the young man can swing it a bit, has pop as evidenced by his five home runs on the expansive backfields and in the heat of midday Florida summer games. Was signed as a catcher and still catches bullpens - may even return to behind the dish. I think he can play - just needs experience and more reps if he stays at third base. Likely returns to the FCL again in 2026.

Aidan Miller - 21 years old (22 on 6/9/26)  - drafted in 1st round of the 2023 draft from Mitchell HS, New Port Richey, FL

2025 Stats :  RH hitter/thrower -  played in 108 games - 489 plate appearances with Reading - .259/.382/.427 slash line and .809 OPS with 25 doubles, 2 triples, 13 home runs, 41 RBIs, 73 walks, 116 strikeouts and 52 stolen bases. Promoted to Lehigh Valley 9/9 - 8 games - 37 plate appearances - .333/.514/.519 slash line and a 1.033 OPS with 2 doubles, a home run, 9 walks, 7 strikeouts and 7 stolen bases. Overall season numbers - 116 games - 526 plate appearances - .264/.392/.433 slash line, .825 OPS with- 27 doubles, 2 triples, 14 home runs, 42 RBIs, 82 walks, 123 strikeouts, 59 stolen bases. Was the August organizational player of the month - .348/.454/.629 slash line and a 1.083 OPS in 108 plate appearances with 13 doubles, 4 home runs, 16 RBIs and 13 stolen bases. He finished the season on a high note - September numbers - .370/.554/.565 slash line and a 1.119 OPS in 65 plate appearances.

2025 Notes :  I’ve had the good fortune to interact with Aidan on multiple occasions - it’s easy to see that he’s a genuinely good person. He’s also a diligent worker who neither wants or expects to be treated any differently than his teammates. Once he gets comfortable in the environment around him he excels, is a hands on learner. This past season there were some physical setbacks but he pushed thru them and had a very good year. Is an intelligent player - for example, isn’t a roadrunner as a base stealer but he took advantage of the rules, read pitcher’s moves and was willing/able to take chances that more often than not had positive outcomes. As a hitter has learned how to adjust to pitch types, velocities and to drive the baseball with authority when it’s in his impact zone. Has both power and patience along with bat to ball skills. Defensively is a no doubt about it shortstop, very strong arm, hands and range - wants to play shortstop - that said, has a team first mindset and is willing to play other positions as needed. He’s very athletic and I have no doubt that he can play second, third or even the outfield if that’s what is required to get to the show. He’s got all the tools to be a long term major league contributor, perhaps beginning as soon as this coming season. Folks should absolutely be excited about his future.

Tyler Pettorini - 23 years old (24 on 11/9/26) - signed as un-drafted free agent - 7/22/25 - Ohio State University

2025 Stats :  LH hitter - RH thrower - initially worked at the complex after signing in draftee mini-camp. Was promoted to Clearwater on 7/28 - the first of the new signings to be activated. Played in 24 games - 92 plate appearances - .241/.326/.291 slash line with a .617 OPS - 2 doubles, 1 triple, 9 RBIs, 9 walks, 16 strikeouts and 3 stolen bases. Defensively played second base (12 games - .971 fielding percentage) and third base (12 games - .897 fielding percentage).

2025 Notes :  he’s from Wooster, Ohio and graduated from Wooster HS. Tyler played four years at Ohio State posting a .299/.361/.471 slash line and .832 OPS in 181 games - 776 plate appearances with 35 doubles and 23 home runs and played both second and third base. He played in the MLB Draft League for the West Virginia Black Bears posting a .327 average in 113 AB’s and was noted for consistently hitting the ball hard with the ability to drive it. Tyler is also known to have a great work ethic and positive attitude. He’s participating in Fall High Performance Camp - might just be another un-drafted free agent signing gem - could bump up to Jersey Shore out of 2026 spring camp.

Nikau Pouaka-Grego - 21 years old (22 on 9/13/26)  - signed as an international free agent - 1/17/22 - Australia

2025 Stats :  LH hitter - RH thrower - began the year in extended spring training and played one game with the FCL Phillies before being assigned to the Clearwater Threshers on 5/6 - played in 32 games - 106 plate appearances - .186/.308/.256 slash line with 3 doubles, a home run, 12 RBIs, 14 walks and 22 strikeouts. Transferred to Jersey Shore on 8/4 where he played in 5 games going 2 for 13 - finished the season with Clearwater after being transferred back on 8/22. Defensively played second base (24 games - .966 fielding pct) and third base (11 games - .944 fielding pct).

2025 Notes :  Nikau is a very cordial young man who always says hello, on the field he’s a warrior and sometimes his emotions get the better of him. Is a great teammate who stands up for his mates. Has overcome major knee surgery which cost him the entire 2023 season. He burst onto the scene in 2022 on the backfields in FCL play putting up a .424 OBP in 125 plate appearances and stroking three home runs. Offense has always been his ticket however the injury and wear and tear of a long season’s grind have been impediments to him to date. There are flashes of what he might become and he’s still a very young player so patience may be the key in hopes of a break out season. He admittedly knows that improving both strength and conditioning are vital to his success and seems re-committed to accomplishing that, has foregone winter ball in Australia this year to specifically work on those areas.

Nikau’s 2025 reflections : “I learned a lot this season, wish as a team we could have finished up a little bit better. This year I played a role for my team that I had never been in before, it took a bit but I embraced it and good things came of that. This offseason I am going to be based in Houston, I have got a speed, strength, hitting and defense coach. I think this is the time where I really need to make a difference with my body and change opinions so I made the decision to not play winter ball. My goal is to break camp in Jersey Shore, I got a stint there this past season, with the work I’m putting in this offseason that I can really make that happen.”

Robert Moore  - 23 years old (24 on 3/31/26) - acquired in trade with Brewers - 11/14/23

2025 Stats :  Switch hitter - RH thrower - played in 81 games - 321 plate appearances - .199/.284/.320 slash line with a .604 OPS - 17 doubles, 5 home runs, 31 RBIs, 32 walks, 79 strikeouts and 3 stolen bases. Transferred to Lehigh Valley 8/4 - 8 games - 32 plate appearances - .222/.344/.407 slash line with 2 doubles and a home run. Defensively played second base (36 games - .946 fielding pct), third base (29 games - .870 fielding pct) and shortstop (12 games - .971 fielding pct). Best month was April - .279/.418/.442 slash line in 56 plate appearances.

2025 Notes :  was the Brewers round CB-B pick in the 2022 draft from the University of Arkansas - is from Leawood, Kansas and graduated from Shawnee Mission East HS. Won a gold glove in college as a second baseman - first in Arkansas history to do so. Played three seasons at Arkansas posting a .381 OBP in 656 plate appearances. Was acquired by the Phillies in a trade with the Brewers along with outfielder Hendry Mendez for infielder Oliver Dunn. He’s known as an aggressive hitter and strong defender with a gamer’s style of play and attitude. His dad is Dayton Moore who’s been a long time baseball executive including serving fifteen years as the General Manager of the Kansas City Royals. Robbie had to adjust to playing more of a reserve role this past season which is likely his path to advance - the versatility to be able to play three infield positions and even center field (he played six games there this past season and handled all chances) and ability to switch hit should bump him up to the AAA level for 2026.

Robert Phelps  - 21 years old (22 on 1/30/26) - drafted in 19th round of the 2025 draft from Reinhardt University, Georgia

2025 Stats : RH hitter/thrower - initially worked at the complex after signing in draftee mini-camp. Was promoted to Clearwater on 8/5 - played in 12 games - 53 plate appearances - .231/.415/.282 slash line with a .697 OPS - 2 doubles, 7 RBIs, 12 walks, 8 strikeouts and 5 stolen bases - defensively played shortstop (9 games - .947 fielding pct) and second base (3 games - 1.000 fielding pct). In his second pro game went 3 for 4 with a double. Was placed on the IL on 8/22. Finished the year with the rehab team at the complex.

2025 Notes :  he’s from Pittsburgh, PA and graduated from Allderdice HS. He attended Harford Community College where he played two seasons before transferring to the the University of West Virginia then to Reinhardt University in Georgia. In an article written by Rob Taylor Jr on 8/2 in the Pittsburgh Courier Robert was quoted as saying “I’ve loved it since I was a little kid, it’s always been what I’ve done, it’s always been my dream,” about the game of baseball. About being drafted - “For the dream to come true is amazing, and it’s just the first step.” Taylor wrote that Phelps’ family has always supported his baseball dreams and that he even lived in the Dominican Republic from the age of 13 to 16, before returning to Pittsburgh to attend Allderdice. I have yet to meet Robert in person but the energy came thru in our correspondence - it’s very clear he wants to excel and climb the ladder to the show. He’s known for his speed, is a base stealing threat every time he reaches base, and his defensive prowess. A spark plug type player who exudes confidence and enthusiasm - his summer ball coach Jake Lanferman of the Edmonton RiverHawks said this “"He is a special type of player with multiple pro tools, Robbie has been a spark plug for us as our leadoff hitter all summer. He has one of the best gloves I've seen come through our program and he's always competing with a huge smile on his face."  Sounds akin to the attitude and approach of Phillies great Jimmy Rollins. Am eager to see Robert play in person.

Robert’s 2025 reflections :  “I learned that it’s still the game of baseball I’ve been playing since a little kid. Same dream, same goal, same game. Learning to go out and have fun everyday and not turn it into a job or business. It’s a blessing to be doing what I’m doing so embracing that and knowing that there’s a lot worse things going on in the world than whatever I’m dealing with. I wasn’t happy with how my personal season ended as my year was cut short with injury. I felt I was taking some steps of improvement though and finding my rhythm a little bit before getting hurt. I just want to come into camp healthy, strong and in a good mindset to accept everything for what it is and be ready to work. This will be my first spring training so I only can learn so much from other people’s word before experiencing it myself. It will be an experience for sure but also an opportunity. As for where I break out of camp, that is out of my control. I tell myself that I’m going to control the controllables and the rest will take care of itself. Wherever they put me I will be grateful and ready to start my first full year of pro ball.”

Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️

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