The IronPigs open their season on March 29th with a three game home series against the Worcester WooSox. Lehigh Valley will be a veteran laden team to begin the year with most of the roster acquired via trade or free agent signings. Only eight of the thirty initial roster spots (an allowance of 28 active, others go on the development list) are relatively recent Phillies draft picks, un-drafted free agent or international signings (signed from 2015 to 2020). The average age of the team is 28 years old.
Here’s a look at the initial roster.
Pitchers : 16 total - 13 on opening day roster - 3 will report later - average age : 28
Starters/Bulk Relievers : pitchers who are expected to throw extended innings each outing.
RH Mick Abel (22 yrs old) - 2020 1st round draft selection out of high school - had a very strong training camp beginning in January with High Performance camp despite dealing with a lingering illness in spring training. Is very close to becoming a major league contributor. He will report later to LHV - stayed back in Clearwater to get more work in.
LH Kolby Allard (26 yrs old) - signed as a minor league free agent 1/23/24 - uses pitch ability to get batters out - was the Braves 1st round draft pick in 2015 out of high school - has pitched in 69 major league games.
RH Michael Mercado (24 yrs old) - acquired from Tampa Rays in a trade 11/6/23 - power arm that impressed in spring camp - upper nineties fastball from a big frame - has battled control in prior years - was Rays 2nd round draft selection in 2017 out of high school - will be stretched out innings wise in bulk relief.
RH Tyler Phillips (26 yrs old) - originally acquired from Texas Rangers in 2021 off waivers, re-signed as a minor league free agent this off-season. Was Rangers 16th round draft selection in 2015 from high school - grew up a Phillies fan from Pennsauken, NJ. Had TJ surgery - missed 2022 season - impressed this spring - viable option as a major league contributor this season. Coming off a strong 2023 season with Reading and Lehigh Valley.
RH David Buchanan (34 yrs old) - signed as a free agent 2/13/24 after pitching the past four seasons in the Korean Baseball league. Had a solid spring training camp - knows how to pitch, multiple deliveries and speeds - pitch ability - will stretch out as a starter and be ready to contribute at the big league level if needed. Originally drafted and signed by the Phillies in the 2010 draft (7th round) from Georgia State University - has pitched in 35 major league games, all starts.
RH Max Castillo (24 yrs old) - claimed off waivers from the Boston Red Sox on 2/7/24 - originally signed by the Toronto Blue Jays as an international free agent from Caracas, Venezuela on 9/25/15. Has played for the Blue Jays and Royals in the major leagues - 21 games - 6 starts - impressed early in spring training games, struggled later. Will likely pitch in a bulk reliever role for LHV and possibly could contribute to the Phillies at some point in the show. He will report later to LHV - stayed back in Clearwater to get more work in.
RH Ricardo Pinto (30 yrs old) - signed as a minor league free agent 2/19/24 after a tremendous winter league season in Venezuela for Tiburones de La Guaira - helped lead them to the Caribbean World Series championship - was named the series MVP - developed an outstanding splitter, has a starters repertoire and will be part of the IronPigs rotation. Originally signed by the Phillies in 2011 as an amateur free agent, he’s since pitched in the Rays, Giants and Tigers organizations. He will report later to LHV - stayed back in Clearwater to get more work in.
Relievers :
RH Nick Nelson (28 yrs old) - after serving as a starting pitcher last season will re-transition to a multi-inning reliever. Had a good spring camp, arrived early in January - acquired from the Yankees in a trade on 11/19/21 - can heat it up in the 95-97 mph range, especially as a reliever. He has pitched in 70 major league games - 4 as a starter. Was the Yankees 2016 4th round draft selection from Gulf Coast CC in Florida.
RH Austin Brice (31 yrs old) - signed as a minor league free agent 2/19/24 from the Red Sox. He has pitched in five organizations after being the 2010 9th round draft selection of the Miami Marlins out of high school. Has pitched in 144 games - 1 start in the major leagues (2016 to 2022).
RH Ryan Burr (29 yrs old) - signed 12/12/23 as a minor league free agent. He has pitched in the Diamondbacks, Chicago White Sox and Tampa Bay Rays organizations and appeared in 66 major league games with the White Sox from 2018 to 2022 posting a 4.09 ERA in 75 IP with 66 K’s and 39 walks. Last season at AAA level Durham in the Rays system he had a 2-1 record in 18 appearances (23.1 IP) with 23 K’s and 3 walks with a 0.99 WHIP. He features a 95 mph fastball, cutter, slider/curve and sinker.
RH Zac Houston (29 yrs old) - acquired from the Tampa Rays for cash considerations on 3/24/24. Houston is 29 years old and was the 29th round draft selection of the Detroit Tigers in the 2016 draft from Mississippi State. He’s pitched in the Tigers and Yankees organizations appearing in 230 games (225 in relief) posting a 3.18 ERA over 305 2/3 IP (all in the minors). He signed with Tampa in December of 2023 as a minor league free agent and features a mid nineties fastball and curve.
LH Taylor Lehman (28 yrs old) - signed as an un-drafted free agent 6/18/18 - Penn State University, PA. He’s a tall (6’8”), lanky southpaw with a three pitch arsenal (four seam fastball 90 to 93 mph - touches 95), sinker and curve although basically relies on the four seamer and curve. Gets good spin and tailing action on the four seamer, curve ball has big vertical break. Returns to LHV after playing the majority of last season with the club.
RH Griff McGarry (24 yrs old) - re-invented this off-season and spring in regard to delivery to gain control and command, converts to a reliever this year with the possibly of returning to the starting rotation at some point. Fastball this spring generally in the 93-96 mph range. Stuff is electric, can be a big league contributor if command and control is harnessed. Was the 2021 5th round draft selection from the University of Virginia.
RH Tyler McKay (26 yrs old) - 2018 16th round draft selection - Howard JC, Texas - participated in his first major league ST camp this season as a non-roster invitee. Features an excellent sinker, slider and change up - pitched very well at LHV last season appearing in 27 games - from my perspective he’s got big league talent and could contribute as soon as this year in the show.
RH Andrew Bellatti (32 yrs old) - had a very solid spring training camp - returns to LHV where he appeared in 29 games last season - also pitched in 27 games with the Phillies. Will likely be a big league contributor at some point this season. Features a very good slider.
RH Jose Ruiz (29 yrs old) - signed as a minor league free agent 11/28/23. Had a very strong spring training camp - will likely be a major league contributor at some point this season. He pitched in 38 major league games last season with the White Sox and Diamondbacks. He was traded from Chicago to Arizona in April of 2023 for cash considerations, features a four seam fastball (96 to 97 mph), a curve ball which he throws as often as the heater, sinker and changeup. He’s pitched for Team Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic and was originally signed by the San Diego Padres from Guacara, Venezuela as an international free agent in 2011. Ruiz has appeared in 212 major league games with the Padres, White Sox and Diamondbacks.
Position Players - average age : 28
Catchers : 2
Aramis Garcia (31 yrs old) - signed 2/16/23 as a minor league free agent - re-signed this off-season. Had an excellent spring training camp hitting .393 in 28 at bats. Returns to LHV after appearing in 53 games last season, is the primary backup for major league roster if a need arises to fill one of the two catching spots.
Cody Roberts (27 yrs old) - selected from the Baltimore Orioles organization on 12/7/22 in the minor league rule 5 draft. He is an excellent defender, has a strong arm and very good mechanics that he continually strives to improve upon. Is also a versatile defender - played a few games in both right and left field last season with Reading and has played both first and third base previously in the Orioles organization. Played collegiately at the University of North Carolina, was the Orioles 2018 11th round draft selection.
Infielders : 7
Rodolfo Castro (24 yrs old) - acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates in a trade on 8/1/23. I was impressed this spring by his athleticism and fielding abilities, in particular at shortstop. Will likely play multiple infield positions for LHV - is a switch hitter with decent pop, especially from the left side. He hit 11 home runs in the show for the Pirates in 2022 in 253 AB’s - has played in 194 major league games (2021-2023) with 22 home runs. Has a quick bat with ability to drive the baseball, originally signed by the Pirates as an international free agent on 10/30/15 from the Dominican Republic.
Kody Clemens (27 yrs old) - acquired in a trade with Detroit Tigers 1/7/23 - had an excellent spring training camp. Serves as infield depth for the major league club - solid season last year at LHV hitting 18 home runs and driving in 52 runs. Plays multiple infield positions (1B,2B,3B) and can also play corner outfield spots. Left handed hitter with pop.
Darick Hall (28 yrs old) - 2016 14th round draft selection - Dallas Baptist University - is a major league capable power hitter who provides organizational depth at first base. Darick is one of most personable young men you can meet, genuinely good person. His 144 career minor league home runs by my unofficial count ranks 2nd highest since 1960 for long balls hit while a member of a Phillies minor league affiliate behind only Joe Lis (164) and ahead of Pancho Herrera (141), Dan Held (135) and Dylan Cozens (132). Darick has earned the patent on the nickname “Long Ball Hall”. He hit over .300 for the first time in his minor league career last season and has played in 60 major league games with 10 dingers in 190 AB’s.
Scott Kingery (29 yrs old) - 2015 2nd round draft selection - University of Arizona - returns to LHV for his fourth year with the club - will play multiple positions as he has done throughout his career - last season he posted 18 doubles and 13 home runs in 117 games (405 AB’s). Scotty provides depth to the major league club with his defensive versatility being a key factor, is a very good fielder in whatever position he plays as is capable of playing every skill position with the exception of catcher.
Nick Podkul (27 yrs old) - signed as a minor league free agent 12/17/22 and re-signed this past off-season. Originally drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2018 draft (7th round) from Notre Dame. Nick had a strong season last summer beginning the year with Reading and finishing with LHV, his season ended when he was hit by a pitch in the face on July 28th - has made a full recovery and is back in action. He’s another versatile defender who can play all four infield positions, is very athletic - last season was his best offensive season in his five year career.
Esteban Quiroz (32 yrs old) - veteran infielder acquired from the Chicago Cubs on 3/23/23 for cash considerations. Is a very popular teammate whose nickname is “Pony”. He is also a versatile defender who has played three infield positions (2B,SS, 3B) along with every outfield spot in his career. Played winter ball this off-season in his native country of Mexico where he has played since the 2011 season. Played in 12 major league games for the Cubs in 2022 - originally signed by the Boston Red Sox in 2017.
Weston Wilson (29 yrs old) - signed as a minor league free agent on 1/11/23 - originally drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2016 (17th round) from Clemson. Had a career year last season with LHV and made his major league debut as well. Weston hit 31 home runs and stole 32 bases for the IronPigs in 2023 while playing multiple defensive positions (1B, 3B, SS, LF, CF, RF) - he was the team MVP. Has a big league bat who provides depth to the major league club and is likely an early call up if the need arises.
Outfielders : 5
David Dahl (30 yrs old) - signed as a minor league free agent 2/19/24 - had a good spring camp. Was originally the 1st round draft selection of the Colorado Rockies in the 2010 draft out of high school. He has played in 331 major league games with Colorado, Texas and San Diego and has a career .271 batting average with 43 home runs in 1,152 at bats. Last season he played primarily in the minors for the Padres at both the AA and AAA levels. Provides outfield depth and a left handed bat if needed for the major league club.
Matt Kroon (27 yrs old) - 2018 18th round draft selection - Oklahoma State - had a very strong 2023 campaign playing at both Reading and Lehigh Valley hitting .326 overall with 31 doubles, 11 home runs and 26 stolen bases - a .399 OBP. He also played in the Arizona Fall League. Matt can play multiple defensive positions including 2B,3B and all three outfield spots, is primarily used at 3B and CF. We’ve always liked his bat, quick thru the baseball with the ability to drive it. If given the opportunity we feel he’s a capable major league contributor.
Jordan Luplow (30 yrs old) - signed 3/16/24 as a minor league free agent - was in the Braves camp and was released by them to pursue other opportunities. He was originally drafted in the third round of the 2014 draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates from Fresno State University. He has played in 362 major league games with the Pirates, Guardians, Rays, Diamondbacks, Blue Jays and Twins. Provides organizational depth as a right handed hitter for all three outfield spots and first base.
Simon Muzziotti (25 yrs old) - signed as an international free agent 7/15/16 from Venezuela - had a very strong 2023 season with AAA Lehigh Valley - .296/.358/.404 slash line in 124 games - 524 plate appearances with 22 doubles, 4 triples, 7 home runs and 61 RBIs, stole 26 bases in 38 attempts. He tied for 5th in the International League in hits (140), 11th in stolen bases and tied for 10th in batting average. Defensively played primarily left field. Simon is a throw back type left handed hitter and thrower who generally puts the ball in play and has good speed. Provides organizational depth in the outfield.
Cal Stevenson (27 yrs old) - claimed off waivers from the San Francisco Giants 5/26/23 - originally drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 10th round of the 2018 draft from the University of Arizona. Has played in 69 major league games (2022-2023) with the Oakland A’s and San Francisco Giants. Is a solid defender in all three outfield positions - primarily plays center field - left handed hitter with speed - provides organizational depth in center field.
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
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