3/18/26 : Spring Breakout Game One roster

The Phillies will play two Spring Breakout games this year - the first is in Fort Myers tomorrow against the Twins and the second is on 3/21 at Clearwater against the Blue Jays. The roster will be adjusted for Saturday’s game to substitute for some of those who play in today’s game. Lots of folks will cover these games and offer intel - here’s my notes on what I’ve seen and heard on each player so far this spring.

The Phillies gameday roster for tomorrow’s game was posted by MLB’s Todd Zolecki earlier today.

Pitchers (10) :

RH Tyler Bowen - 23 years old - drafted in 12th round of the 2025 draft from Lander University, SC - has shown well in all camps since signing - this spring has popped the fastball in the 96-98 mph range with a sharp slider as well. Ball moves really well - is from Delaware - a graduate of Indian River High School. Likely headed to Clearwater to make his first official pro game appearance after camp breaks.

RH Jean Cabrera - 24 years old - signed as an international free agent 7/2/19 - Maracay, Venezuela - Jean is on the 40 man roster - he appeared in two Grapefruit League games this spring totaling 4.1 IP and posting a 2.01 ERA - he’s a battler on the mound who uses a plus changeup, mid nineties sinker (93-96 mph) along with a sweeper. Has the skillset to pitch in the show - will open the year as part of the Lehigh Valley starting rotation.

RH Gabe Craig - 24 years old - drafted in 5th round of 2025 draft from the Baylor University - already possesses a big league sweeper in his arsenal - has a short arm release that produces bite and movement - has also been in the mid nineties with his fastball - pitched in a three games with Clearwater last summer - likely returns there to open the 2026 season.

RH Matthew Fisher - 20 years old - drafted in 7th rd of the 2025 draft from Memorial HS, Evansville, IN - is a raw talent to mold - has thrown sides and a live BP I believe but hasn’t been in a ST game yet - by all accounts has the talent to advance up the rungs - with young players it takes patience to let them develop and grow into their frames. He’s  maybe a candidate for more training time in extended spring and to open in the FCL else Clearwater - I haven’t seen him pitch yet so just going on speculation.

RH Luke Gabrysh - 22 years old - drafted in 15th round of the 2024 draft from St Joseph’s University, PA - he’s had a very solid set of camps dating back to Fall High Performance Camp thru Minor League Spring Training - has added muscle which has increased velocity - his four seam fastball and sinker both already sat consistently at 92-95 mph. He’s a bulldog type competitor who gets after it, is fun to watch - seems likely to open the season as part of the Reading rotation.

LH Mavis Graves - 22 years old - drafted in 6th round of the 2022 draft from Eastside HS, Taylors, SC - finished 2025 on the IL and has now worked his way back to active status - will throw his first spring game work in the breakout contest - He’s a big fella at 6’6” with a competitive approach and has a great amount of upside. Has a good feel for his changeup which has a decent ten mph differential from his four seamer. He’s made steady progress during his three full seasons in the program with a projectable path to the show - should be in line for a bump to AA level Reading’s rotation out of camp.

RH Titan Kennedy-Hayes - 24 years old - drafted - 11th round of the 2024 draft from Austin Peay State - features a four seam fastball that sits 95 to 98 mph and often touches 100 mph, a slider, sinker (95-99 mph) and cutter. Has had a very solid spring camp, throwing quality strikes with triple digits velocity. Likely headed to Jersey Shore to start the season.

RH Anderson Navas - 19 years old - signed as an international free agent - 1/15/24 - El Tigre, Venezuela - was signed as a catcher and played two seasons in the DSL as a C/1B - converted to pitching this past fall - has a big arm - fastball in the 94-97 mph range with more there as he continues to refine his mechanics - big fella on the hill who puts one in mind of Kenley Jansen who also converted to a pitcher from initially being a catcher. Anderson will likely work on his pitching craft this summer in the Florida Complex League.

RH Brad Pacheco - 20 years old - signed as an international free agent - 5/18/23 - Bejuma, Venezuela - has pitched with renewed confidence this spring and has performed well with the heater reaching 98 mph as well as showcasing a swing and miss slider. A big arm talent who dominated in the DSL but had his struggles last season in the FCL - could return to the FCL to begin the year but would bump up quickly to Clearwater if he continues to throw as well as he has lately.

RH Brian Walters - 23 years old - drafted in 8th round of the 2025 draft from the University of Miami - upon his arrival to draftee camp last summer Brian turned heads with his velocity and mix - he’s an under the radar hurler at the moment but I suspect that will soon change - has pitched well in his outings in both live BP’s and games - fastball sitting in the 94-97 mph range - is being prepared as a starter - Clearwater will be where he begins his pro career as he’s yet to pitch in an official game.

Catchers (4) :

Anderson Araujo - 17 years old - signed as an international free agent - 1/15/25 - Barquisimeto, VZ - noted for a power bat with double digit home run potential - has shown a strong arm, good instincts and leadership behind the plate - will open the year with the FCL Phillies in just his second year of pro baseball.

Luke Davis - 23 years old - signed as un-drafted free agent - 7/23/24 - Long Beach CC, California - has had a very good Spring Camp carrying over from Mini Camp - was a patient hitter at the dish last season and drew 70 walks posting a .381 on base percentage in 113 plate appearances - this spring he’s been more aggressive and has delivered in scrimmages and games with extra base hits including a long home run on Roberts Field - likely opens the year at Jersey Shore.

Alirio Ferrebus - 20 years old - signed as international free agent 1/15/23 - Maracaibo, Venezuela - played in Australia this off season for the league champion Adelaide Giants - has excellent bat to ball skills, barrels the baseball - big body at 6’2”, athletic frame - solid defensive skills. Is a very talented player on both sides - we’ve watched him throw out runners and show good form as a catcher. Plays first base as well. Seems destined to open the year with the Clearwater Threshers.

Caleb Ricketts - 25 years old - drafted in 7th round of the 2022 draft from the University of San Diego - Caleb has been a good offensive player throughout his four year pro career - injuries have set him back each season ranging from hands,back, groin and hamstrings - he’s got real pop as a left handed hitter, a doubles machine driving balls in the gaps and a clutch performer in high pressure spots. Has made big strides in his pitch receiving and game calling - throwing is an area of continuing development - particularly accuracy to his targets - he’s a big fella at 6’3” and sometimes it takes a bit to uncoil throws - works hard at his craft and improvement has been made. Could open up with Lehigh Valley as part of three man corps else returns to Reading to catch and play first base.

Infielders (6) :

Carson DeMartini - 23 years old - drafted in 4th round of the 2024 draft from Virginia Tech - was selected to play in the 2025 Arizona Fall League but a hand injury sidelined him - now back to full health has played both second and third base in Grapefruit and Minor League ST games with a more concentrated focus as a second baseman. Solid left handed hitter who’s got pop - was slowed by the injury after being promoted to Reading last summer from Jersey Shore - likely opens the year with Reading when camp breaks.

Aroon Escobar - 21 years old - signed as an international free agent - 1/15/22 - Caracas, Venezuela - struggled at the plate this spring in his first NRI selection - has been playing mostly third base since returning to minor league camp - 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 - seems in line to open the season with Reading.

Romeli Espinosa - 17 years old - signed as an international free agent - 1/15/25 - Tamayo, Dominican Republic - has been a camp standout this spring showing a great arm and ability to drive the baseball as a hitter. In each of the games I’ve seen him he’s squared up the baseball at least once in the contest. Defensively have seen him at both shortstop and third base. He will be one to watch on the backfields this summer in Florida Complex League play.

Matthew Ferrara - 18 years old - drafted 9th rd - 2025 draft from Toms Rivers East HS, Toms River, NJ - noted for his hard nosed play and toughness - that’s shined thru in spring camp - the kid plays the game the right way - has no fear even against much more experienced competitors - he’s played in Grapefruit League games this spring as well - primarily has played second base in minor league spring games thus far and led off - seems likely to open the year with the Clearwater Threshers however given his age garnering some more experience in extended spring and perhaps the FCL wouldn’t be a bad thing.

Felix Reyes - 24 years old - signed as an international free agent - 2/22/20 - Bani, Dominican Republic - had a great big league camp this year as an NRI - posted a .333/.355/.667 slash line in 17 games (31 plate appearances) with a 1.022 OPS. He hit a double, three home runs and had eleven RBIs, scored five runs, walked once and struck out just once. He also played very well defensively at first base. I get so tired of comments from folks saying he never hit well till last season in Reading when he won the Eastern League batting title and MVP award - Felix has always freaking hit well - since day one when I saw him on the backfields he’s consistently hit rockets. With the ability to adequately play left and right fields along with 1st and 3rd base he’s a big leaguer on the cusp. Will open the year with Lehigh Valley as a lineup regular - probably will surprise a few more folks who to date haven’t noticed 🤓.

Bryan Rincon - 22 years old - there’s never been a doubt about his defensive skills at shortstop - he’s big league ready in that regard. Over the years we’ve watched him play Bryan has always shown occasions of power, especially from the left side (he switch hits). This spring in big league camp he displayed that power with two doubles, a triple and home run. Likely headed to Reading to start the 2026 season, if he can hit close to .250 he’s a strong candidate for the show.

Outfielders (5) :

Dylan Campbell - 23 years old - acquired in trade with Dodgers - 1/17/25 - was the Dodgers round 4C selection in the 2023 draft from the University of Texas - he had an outstanding season in the Arizona Fall League adding first and third base to his defensive repertoire - can play six defensive positions well - 1B,2B,3B,LF,CF,RF - just yesterday I saw him throw a runner out at third base from center field - solid line drive hitter who also has good speed - stole 33 bases last season - likely returns to Reading to open the 2026 season.

Raylin Heredia - 22 years old - signed as an international free agent - 2/2/21 - Santo Domingo, DR - has had an outstanding spring camp after playing for the Adelaide Giants championship team in the Australian Baseball League this off season - is driving the ball with authority producing multiple doubles in minor league spring training games to date - has the tools to continue to advance - in my opinion is ready to open the 2026 season as part of the AA level roster at Reading.

Dante Nori - 21 years old - drafted in 1st round of the 2024 draft from Northville HS, Northville, MI -  is coming off a stellar performance in the WBC for Team Italy where he was named part of the All Tournament team - has the tools to be an impact player in the major leagues and isn’t that far away from getting there - speed,defense, bat to ball, baseball acumen and attitude are all plus levels - the kid can play - I asked him what he learned from his first NRI experience this spring in big league camp - “The time spent up there was a learning experience. Getting to really meet all the coaches as well as the players, how to manage your time. I’ve learned that it’s still a kids game at the highest level. You see vets showing the same enthusiasm as if they were just entering the league. It does make me even more hungry. I truly want to be apart of the group they have and give them everything I got to win a championship.”  He’s gonna open with Reading as a lineup regular after camp breaks.

Devin Saltiban - 21 years old - drafted in 3rd round of the 2023 draft from Hilo HS, Hilo, Hawaii - has had a strong spring training camp after playing this off season in the Australian Baseball League for the league champion Adelaide Giants - now converted to being a full time center fielder - very quick bat which has been on display all spring - power is there as well - can drive the baseball - now entering his third pro season the path forward and upward is unleashing the power bat and providing solid defense - likely returns to Jersey Shore to begin 2026 with those objectives in mind.

John Spikerman - 23 years old - drafted in 3rd round of the 2024 draft from the University of Oklahoma - John has had a good ST camp - he’s driven the ball with authority. The young man battled thru injuries last season which limited him to just 62 games of play - now looks healthy and ready to go - has versatility defensively, able to play all three outfield positions well - likely starts the season with the Jersey Shore BlueClaws.

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.

http://fanatics.93n6tx.net/NKjZk