11/7/25 : Annual Phillies Minor League Player Notes - Part Twenty - Pitchers

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 Twenty of the pitchers highlighting the following :

Danny Wilkinson

A.J. Wilson

Gage Wood

Sean Youngerman

Zuher Yousef

LH Danny Wilkinson  - 25 years old (26 on 10/19/26) - signed as an un-drafted free agent 7/25/22 - Villanova University

2025 Stats :  spent the majority of the season working with the rehab team at the complex after being placed on the IL 4/4 - made an appearance on rehab assignment with the FCL Phillies on 7/24 pitching a scoreless inning. Was transferred to Clearwater on 7/25 - made nine appearances with the Threshers (12.1 IP) recording a 1.46 ERA with 17 K’s and 8 walks, opponents hit just .143 against him. Was transferred to Jersey Shore on 9/2 - made two appearances (2 IP) posting a 4.50 ERA with 5 K’s and one walk - overall pitched in 12 games (15.1 IP) with a 1.76 ERA, 24 K’s and 9 walks.

2025 Notes :  he’s from Scotch Plains, New Jersey and graduated from Scotch Plains Fanwood HS where he lettered four years in baseball and also played hockey. Danny features a three pitch mix (fastball, slider, curve) and gets big spin and break on his off speed deliveries and rising action on his fastball. While he generally pitches off his fastball as the predominant delivery he can also “pitch backwards” using his slider up to 40 percent of the time. All three pitches are good deliveries, unique fastball with backspin in the 90 to 92 mph range (plays up higher due to movement) complimented by the slider in the low 80’s and a 12-6 curve. Has been a strikeout machine in his career (15.63 K/9) but has struggled with control/command.

Danny’s 2025 reflections :   “I learned a lot about myself through the rehab process especially this year and a lot about pitching as well. I was really happy with how I ended the year pitching wise. I thought I was doing really well throwing strikes and getting ahead in counts and putting guys away. My offseason training this year is going to be much more pitching heavy. I’m moving to Charlotte to try to fix some mechanical issues, increase velocity and really try to work on pitch shapes. Planning to show up to spring training as a much better pitcher. My goal is to break camp in AA but I really care most about leaving spring training healthy.”

LH A.J. Wilson  - 24 years old (25 on 12/17/25) - drafted in 12th round of the 2024 draft from UNC Charlotte

2025 Stats : played most of the year with Clearwater - 23 appearances - 34.2 IP, 6.23 ERA, 45 K’s, 25 walks, .169 BAA. Promoted to Jersey Shore on 8/20 - made four appearances - 3.86 ERA, 4.2 IP, 4 K’s, 1 walk - overall pitched in 27 games -39.1 IP, 5.95 ERA, 49 K’s, 26 walks, .179 BAA, 11.65 K/9. Three (15 runs in two IP) of the 27 outings inflated his season ERA - in the other twenty-four appearances he posted a 3.13 ERA over 37.1 IP.

2025 Notes :  he’s from Pilot Mountain, North Carolina where he graduated from East Surry High School. Originally attended East Carolina for two years before transferring to UNC Charlotte for his final three seasons of eligibility.  A.J. was part of a three pitcher no hitter on 8/15 against Lakeland going three innings allowing just one walk while striking out three batters. He features a unique delivery where he turns his back to the hitter before uncoiling with his pitch. Has a big curve ball/slider and a four seamer (88-90). He had a solid year in his first full season of pro ball - likely returns to Jersey Shore to begin 2026 with an eye upwards to AA Reading.

A.J.’s 2025 reflections :   “It’s all about consistency and knowing it’s a long season. I was happy but always want more. Training in Florida with a friend this off-season. Appreciate you Steve, hope to catch up around spring training.”

RH Gage Wood - 21 years old (22 on 12/15/25) - drafted in 1st round of the 2025 draft from University of Arkansas

2025 Stats :  spent the majority of the time after he signed working at the complex in the draftees mini-camp - threw five side bullpens and two live BP’s in August - was activated with Clearwater on 9/5 - made his pro debut 9/6 - two innings - one run, one hit, two walks and five strikeouts. Started a playoff game on 9/11 against Lakeland - one IP, four runs, five hits, one walk. In college pitched three seasons at Arkansas - 4.33 ERA in 55 games (13 starts - 10 in 2025) totaling 108 IP with 167 K’s and 38 walks. In the College World Series, threw a nine-inning no-hitter with 19 strikeouts and zero walks against Murray State (June 16).

2025 Notes :  he’s from Batesville, Arkansas and graduated from Batesville High School. Well built young man who plays with high intensity - my initial observations watching him as a pro are that he’s a fierce competitor (Scherzer like demeanor) - pitches with passion - goes right after the hitters, very demonstrative with emotions. He began the year at Arkansas with a shoulder impingement after his second start and missed two months before returning. “Wood had one of the best fastballs in the Draft, sitting at 94-96 mph and reaching 98. Its a combination of velocity and carry, along with his low release height and flat approach angle that  produce elite rates of chases, as well as overall and in-zone swings and misses. He relies heavily on his heater and a power 82-85 mph curveball that shows flashes of becoming a plus pitch. Wood's upper-80s slider isn't nearly as effective as his curve and he barely uses a changeup with similar velocity and decent fade.” - MLB. He’s participating in Fall High Performance Camp. Will be fun to watch in Spring Training - likely opens the year with Clearwater in the starting rotation.

RH Sean Youngerman  - 21 years old  (22 on 7/9/26) - drafted in 4th round of the 2025 draft from Oklahoma State

2025 Stats :  spent the majority of the time after he signed working at the complex in the draftees mini-camp. Appeared in 20 games (six starts) for Oklahoma State in 2025 posting a 2.08 ERA in 52 IP with 59 K’s, 8 walks and a .0865 WHIP.

2025 Notes :  he’s from Valencia, California and graduated from Chaminade College Prep HS. Enrolled at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, CA where as a freshman he was part of the NAIA national champion, he played two seasons there. Transferred to Oklahoma State where he pitched one season before being drafted and signed by the Phillies. “Youngerman sits at 92-94 mph and touches 96 with his riding fastball as a starter, and he finds a couple more ticks of velocity as a reliever. He relies heavily on his heater because he has trouble landing his tight mid-80s slider for strikes. He has a decent changeup with similar velocity that fades and helps him keep left-handers in check.” - MLB  I have yet to see him throw in person, hopefully will do so this coming spring.

Sean’s 2025  reflections :  “This past season was one of continued growth for me working on the things I need to put together for next year. I have been lucky to work with the training and pitching staff to develop strength and pitch ability. The guys that have been around me have helped me grow on and off the field. Honestly going into spring camp my goal is to compete and wherever is seen as the best fit will be my landing spot to help in any way possible. Off season I am continuing to train strengthening my physical skills and build up for the year to come on the mound.”

LH Zuher Yousef - 19 years old (20 on 5/24/26) - signed international free agent 3/4/24 - El Sombrero, Venezuela

2025 Stats :  began the year in the Dominican Academy - started three games in the DSL for Phillies White - 12.1 IP, 0.73 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, .186 BAA, 18 K’s, 3 walks, 6 K/BB ratio, 13.14 K/9 rate. Promoted to the FCL Phillies on 6/26 - appeared in 4 games (three starts) recording a 1.89 ERA in 19 IP, 0.89 WHIP, 15 K’s, 5 walks and a .174 BAA. Promoted to Clearwater on 8/14 - five appearances - two starts - 17.2 IP, 2.04 ERA, 22 K’s, 11 walks. Overall pitched 49 innings (12 games - 8 starts) posting a 1.65 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, .194 BAA, 55 K’s, 19 walks.

2025 Notes :  he’s not the biggest in stature (5’10”, 174) but competes like a warrior. Throws strikes and uses pitch ability skills to get outs. Features a four seamer (90-92 mph), slider, change-up and sinker. Results get people’s attention and his first season stateside was chock full of results - likely returns to Clearwater to begin the 2026 season - is very young but pitches like a veteran.

Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️

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