12/29/25 : Depth and Potential - an early look - upper levels 👀
- Steve Potter
- 2 hours ago
- 5 min read
A feature article on my birthday - a day I’m honored to share as a birthday with Phillies legend Roly deArmas and former Phillies outfielder Odubel Herrera.
Every MLB organization attempts to build quality coverage each off-season to provision the upcoming elongated professional baseball year of play else success is generally not found. While the primary focus is on constructing the forty man roster to compete in spring training for opening day roster spots it’s also vital that minor league depth along with providing for player development is accounted for.
Here’s a look at where things presently stand for the Phillies at the upper levels (AAA and AA) :
AAA level - Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs :
Starting Pitching :
Andrew Painter (RH) will be given the chance to win a rotation spot this spring with the Phillies, if he doesn’t he returns as the primary starter with the Iron Pigs. Right handers Jean Cabrera and Alan Rangel are also on the 40 man roster and are likely going to be at the top of the LHV rotation. Chuck King (RH) is in line for the opportunity to bump up a notch from Reading. Free agent signees Kyle Brnovich (RH), Adam Seminaris (LH) and Levi Stoudt (RH) are candidates for opportunities to be in the rotation with returning RH Mitch Neunborn and free agent signee RH Bryse Wilson as potential openers/bulk relievers.
Relievers :
LH Kyle Backhus, RH Yoniel Curet, RH Seth Johnson and RH Max Lazar are all on the 40 man roster with options remaining if they don’t make the big league club in spring training. Minor league free agent signings Colin Peluse (RH), Trevor Richards (RH),Lenny Torres (RH), Jonathan Hernandez (RH) and Genesis Cabrera (LH) are all candidates for bullpen roles. Some will also compete for big league roles in spring training.
Returning Iron Pigs hurlers from 2025 competing for 2026 roles include RH Michael Mercado, RH Andrew Bechtold, RH Ryan Cusick, LH Tristan Garnett, RH Daniel Harper and LH Andrew Walling. Andrew Baker (RH), Jack Dallas (RH), Jaydenn Estanista (RH) and John McMillon (RH) are pitchers who threw for Reading last summer that could earn promotions to the AAA level.
Catchers :
Free agent signee Mark Kolozsvary along with returnee Paul McIntosh and Caleb Ricketts (played at Reading in 2025) would seemingly be competing for AAA roles. Both Garrett Stubbs and Rafael Marchan are out of minor league options but could find their way back to LHV if they don’t land big league jobs.
Infielders :
Free agent signees Liover Peguero and Christian Cairo provide versatility at multiple infield positions as does returnee Erick Brito. As it stands they will likely compete for the primary role at third base in spring camp with second base and shortstop time also in reach. Keaton Anthony and Felix Reyes will each see action at first base with Reyes also in competition for time at third base and corner outfield. Jose Rodriguez and Robert Moore will be in the mix for time at second base and shortstop but could also return to Reading for those roles. Aidan Miller will be the primary shortstop but plans are that he will also see time at second and third base, perhaps even some outfield.
Outfielders :
Pedro Leon, Johan Rojas and Gabriel Rincones Jr are all on the 40 man roster and have options remaining. Weston Wilson is out of options. Minor league free agent Bryan De La Cruz has had a great winter league season in the Dominican which could propel him to a big league spot in spring camp with a spot at Lehigh Valley as the fall back plan. Minor league rule five draftee Austin Murr could be in the mix as might returnee Cade Fergus.
AA level - Reading Fightins :
Starting Pitching :
Reese Dutton (RH), LH Mavis Graves, Estibenzon Jimenez (RH), Luke Russo (RH), Brayden Tucker (RH), Gabriel Barbosa (RH) and RH Brandon Beckel are likely competitors for Reading rotation spots. Hopefully RH Christian McGowan returns to action at some point after missing the entire 2025 season rehabbing from shoulder surgery.
Relievers :
RH Alex McFarlane is on the 40 man roster and will remain as a reliever which is how he ended the 2025 season - he likely begins the year with Reading. RHP Evan Gates was selected in the minor league portion of the Rule 5 draft - he pitched at the AA level last year for Richmond in the Eastern League and could bump up to AAA else open the year with Reading.
RH Saul Teran had an outstanding 2025 season at the A level of play and is ready to begin at AA out of spring camp. LH Cristhian Tortosa finished up 2025 with Reading and projects to begin 2026 there. Lefties Erubiel Armenta, Wesley Moore and Kevin Warunek along with right handers Aaron Combs, Jose Peña Jr, Alex Rao (returning from a missed season recovering from TJ surgery), Paxton Thompson and Casey Steward are candidates to compete in ST to move up from High A. It would be a bold move out of spring camp but RH Gabe Craig seems ready to compete at the AA level and could skip High A after pitching in just three games at Clearwater last season in his initial pro year.
Catchers :
Kehden Hettiger, Lou Albrecht and Jordan Dissin are the current probable candidates for AA with Hettiger also seeing time at first base.
Infielders :
Alex Binelas will get opportunities to compete in spring camp for a spot with AAA Lehigh Valley but could return to begin 2026 as Reading’s primary first baseman. Aroon Escobar slots in at second base while also seeing some time at third base. Jose Colmenares and Bryan Rincon will compete for a bump up from High A at shortstop. Bryson Ware can play multiple positions but might fill a regular role at third base until Carson DeMartini is ready to go after rehabbing from off-season wrist area surgery - Carson is also a candidate for time at shortstop. Zach Arnold and Trent Farquhar will be in the mix competing for versatility roles as each can play multiple positions.
Outfielders :
Dante Nori seems likely to be the primary center fielder with Dylan Campbell serving in a super utility role like he did in the Arizona Fall League where he saw game action in the outfield, third, second and first base. Raylin Heredia and John Spikerman are candidates to move up from Jersey Shore. Infielders Binelas, Arnold and Ware all have experience in the outfield and Escobar might see time in a corner spot as well.
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
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