3/31/26 : Clearwater Opening Roster

Pitchers : 17

RH Keegan Batka - 23 years old - signed as an un-drafted free agent 7/22/25 - Davenport University, MI - appeared in two games with the 2025 Threshers (2 scoreless IP, 2 H, 0 BB, 2 K’s). Delivers from a three quarter arm slot - he’s got pop - has a four seamer in the 93-97 mph range supported by a sinker, slider, curve and change-up. Was a dominant pitcher at Division Two level Davenport as a starting pitcher.

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 - he graduated from Indian River High School in Sussex County, Delaware in 2021 and had committed to transferring from Lander to the University of Oregon before signing with the Phillies.

RH Cody Bowker - 22 years old - drafted in 3rd round of the 2025 draft from Vanderbilt University - side arm low slot delivery - pitched well in minor league ST games - fastball in the 92-95 mph range - slider and cutter are primary secondaries he was a Dean’s list student in college - attended Thornton Academy HS in Saco, Maine helping the team win a state championship in 2022. Originally attended Georgetown University where he was a two way player his freshman year before becoming exclusively a pitcher as a sophomore. He’s a side winder (low slot release) with a fastball that plays up due to its spin, ride and shape. Secondaries are a change-up, cutter and slider.

RH Richie Cortese - 22 years old (23 on 4/22/25) - drafted in 17th round of the 2025 draft from Lander University, SC - He’s from Laurel, Montana and initially pitched collegiately at Dickinson State University in North Dakota before transferring to Lander University. He was a two way player at Dickinson but turned to full time pitching at Lander. Features a four seam fastball (93-95 mph touches 97), slider and a curveball. He’s a big fella at 6’6” 240.

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. He’s from Tyler, Texas and is part of a big family (five siblings) - after HS went to Tyler Junior College initially and played one season there before transferring to Texas A&M - after one year at A&M transferred back to Tyler JC for another year before ultimately transferring to Baylor where he played three years while also earning academic All-American honors.

RH Marty Gair - 22 years old - drafted in 13th rd of the 2023 draft from Florida Southwestern State JC - appeared in 24 games (27 IP) with 2025 Clearwater recording a 4.33 ERA. It was the first year he pitched in actual games as had begun working back from Tommy John surgery shortly after he signed in 2023. An under the radar draft choice and signing - big fella at 6’6” - over the top delivery - very competitive, hard on himself at times, a perfectionist. His fastball is in the 94-100 mph range with a curve, slider, cutter and changeup. With his delivery and velocity could develop into a weapon as a back end reliever - needs experience and to harness his strike throwing abilities - stuff plays.

RH Tanner Gresham -24 years old - signed as an un-drafted free agent - Army - 8/13/24 - played four seasons for Army in the Patriot League. Missed most of the 2024 year coming back from offseason Tommy John surgery. In 2023 was the Patriot League Pitcher of the Year - graduated from Hopewell High School in Huntersville, NC. The Army First Lieutenant (1LT)  impressed in spring training camp - threw strikes and had pop. His fastball range is 93 to 98 mph, features a four-seam Fastball, two-seam Fastball, Cutter, Slider and Changeup.

RH Peyton Havard - 24 years old - signed as non drafted free agent 7/22/25 - Lamar University - In his four year collegiate career appeared in 63 games (14 starts) totaling 127.2 IP - 4.02 ERA - he’s from Bridge City, Texas and graduated from Bridge City HS - initially enrolled at the University of Louisiana - Lafayette and played two seasons there - transferred to Lamar for his final two years. He features a four seam fastball (90-94 mph), changeup, slider and curve with the changeup being the top secondary pitch.

LH Camron Hill - 22 years old - drafted in 8th round of the 2024 draft from Georgia Tech University - He’s from Fayetteville, Georgia and graduated from Whitewater High School where he was a four year letter winner in baseball, as a senior he was rated as the number three left-hand pitcher in the state. At Georgia Tech pitched for the Yellow Jackets for three years. He’s noted as having a bit of a crossfire deceptive release and a four pitch mix - features a four seam fastball (90-93 mph), high spin slider/curve, splitter and cutter - a compact delivery - three quarter slot, was impressed. Pitched for the Adelaide Giants this off season in the Australian Baseball League.

RH MT Morrisey - 23 years old - signed as an un-drafted free agent - 12/18/15 - New Jersey Institute of Technology - graduated from Portsmouth High School in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. He initially attended Georgetown University after high school before transferring to Bryant and then on to NJIT. This past summer he pitched for Trenton in the MLB Draft League and made 8 starts (45.2 IP). He throws a fastball (91-95 mph - touches 96), splitter, slider and cutter. His fastball has been described as having good shape with positive release traits - one that can play at the pro level.

LH Cade Obermueller - 22 years old - drafted in 2nd round of the 2025 draft from University of Iowa - side arm lefty with a fastball in the 91-94 moh range - can go higher  - slider is an out maker - big horizontal break. Is from Iowa City, Iowa and was an all-state honoree in high school. His father Wes pitched in the major leagues for Kansas City, Milwaukee and the Florida Marlins from 2002 to 2007. Cade runs a pitching academy (Obermueller Pitching Development) with his dad in Iowa City during the off-season.

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, pitched stateside in FCL last summer.

Jacob Pruitt - 22 years old - drafted in 15th round of the 2025 draft from Mississippi State - He’s from Yorktown, Indiana and graduated from Yorktown High School. Originally attended Indiana State where he pitched for two seasons before transferring to Mississippi State. He was in the process of transferring to the University of Missouri before signing with the Phillies. Features a fastball (91-93 mph), slider and changeup.

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 from Palm Bay, Florida and graduated from Bayside High School. Comes from a very athletic family, his dad played collegiate football, his mom collegiate softball and his brother Andrew played collegiate baseball (also at Miami) and is now in the Cleveland Guardians system (2023 round CB-B selection) while his uncle Matt played collegiate football at Miami and then in the NFL with the Jets and Dolphins.

RH Gage Wood - 22 years old - drafted in 1st round of the 2025 draft from University of Arkansas - pitched well this spring, saw him in both side sessions and games - 96-99 mph fastball, put away knuckle curve, hard slider and is working on adding a splitter. Pitches with high intensity, expects to excel - attacks the zone, no fear. Is 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.

RH Sean Youngerman - 21 years old - drafted in 4th round of the 2025 draft from Oklahoma State - has impressed in all three camps showing a low to mid nineties fastball which can go higher along with a slider and change up. Is 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.

LH Zuher Yousef - 19 years old (20 on 5/24/26) - signed international free agent 3/4/24 - El Sombrero, Venezuela -  began last year in the Dominican Academy - started three games in the DSL for Phillies White. Promoted to the FCL Phillies on 6/26. Promoted to Clearwater on 8/14. Overall pitched 49 innings (12 games - 8 starts) posting a 1.65 ERA, .194 BAA. He’s not the biggest in stature 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 - is very young but pitches like a veteran.

Catchers : 3

Will Vierling - 22 years old - drafted in 11th round of the 2025 draft from Murray State University - LH hitter - played in 14 games last season - 56 plate appearances with Clearwater after being assigned there on 8/5 - threw out 6 of 29 base stealers. Spent the first couple weeks after signing at the complex training in Draftee Mini Camp. He’s from Mequon, Wisconsin and graduated from Homestead HS, is the cousin of former Phillies utility player Matt Vierling. After high school enrolled at  Louisville University playing there two seasons before transferring to Murray State for 2025 - had a standout year there - .312/.415/.530 slash line and .945 OPS in 277 plate appearances (60 games).

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.

Guillermo Rosario - 20 years old (21 on 4/22/26) - signed as international free agent - 7/25/22 - Santo Domingo, DR - split time last season between the FCL Phillies and Clearwater - 46 games played - 159 plate appearances. Has a large frame at 6’2” - solid mechanics - swing can get long but have seen pop - pleasant young man with a great smile - hard worker - had a good spring training camp - can also play first base.

Infielders : 5

Jaeden Calderon - 20 years old - signed as international free agent - 1/15/23 - Dominican Republic - went on the IL last season on 5/3 after being brought stateside and assigned to the FCL Phillies - worked with the rehab team at the Complex till 6/19 when activated - played in 12 games - 41 plate appearances. Had two strong seasons in the DSL in 2023 and 2024 - made 336 DSL plate appearances - .279/.423/.453 slash line with .875 OPS with 15 doubles, 5 triples, 7 home runs, 47 RBIs and 20 stolen bases. He played primarily first base in his brief FCL stint - I watched him in multiple fielding practices - really good hands, especially digging out low throws and good feet on ground balls and receiving - looked like a natural at first base. He also plays corner outfield spots. Had a very solid spring training camp hitting the ball with authority.

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 - played in Grapefruit League games this spring as well - primarily played second base in minor league spring games and led off. He had committed to play for the University of Pittsburgh but signed with the Phillies instead. He played on the 2023 Jersey Shore team that won the Carpenter Cup championship. He grew up in Toms River which is approximately ten miles from Lakewood where the BlueClaws play.

Tyler Pettorini - 24 years old - signed as un-drafted free agent - 7/22/25 - Ohio State University - LH hitter - 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. Defensively played second base and third base last season and in Spring Training Camp. 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. 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.

Robert Phelps - 22 years old - drafted in 19th round of the 2025 draft from Reinhardt University, Georgia - Was promoted to Clearwater on 8/5 last season - played in 12 games - 53 plate appearances - defensively played shortstop and second base. In his second pro game went 3 for 4 with a double. This spring has also seen time at third base. He is 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. 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.

Juan Villavicencio - 21 years old - signed as an international free agent - 1/15/22 - Maracaibo, VZ - LH hitter - was on the IL for the majority of last season - played in just 26 games - 104 plate appearances. He is an excellent middle infield defender. Known as a practical joker he keeps teammates both loose and on their toes in the clubhouse - has a popular and outgoing persona. Reminds me a bit of former Phillies second baseman Cesar Hernandez in build, makeup and skill set. Has some pop in his bat.

Outfielders : 5

Griffin Burkholder - 20 yrs old - drafted 2nd round of the ‘24 draft - Freedom HS, South Riding, Virginia - injury setbacks (hamstring) limited him to 34 games played last season and misleading surface numbers - 15 games - is now healthy and ready to be a lineup regular for the Threshers. Had committed to attend the University of West Virginia but signed with the Phillies instead. In my opinion he has the tools to eventually become a major leaguer - just needs good health and prolonged play. Very nice young man who’s always accommodating to chat baseball.

Jack Barker - 20 years old - drafted in 13th round of the 2025 draft from the College of Southern Idaho - LH hitter/thrower - was activated last season on 8/26 with Clearwater - played in nine games - 37 plate appearances. He posted a .456/.543/.750 slash line and a 1.293 OPS in 247 plate appearances in his last collegiate season. Plays the corner outfield spots and first base. He is from Meridian, Idaho and graduated from Mountain View HS. He had committed to attend Colorado Mesa University after his two seasons at Southern Idaho but chose to sign with the Phillies instead. Had a very solid spring training camp. Will also likely see time at first base.

Jonathan Hogart - 23 years old - signed un-drafted free agent - 7/22/25 - Murray State University - was activated with Clearwater on 8/5 last season - put up solid numbers - 24 games - 107 plate appearances - .284/.439/.444 with a .883 OPS.  He is from Owensboro, Kentucky and graduated from Madisonville-North Hopkins HS. He initially played a season at Wabash Valley Junior College and then attended Louisiana Tech University and played there a year before transferring to Murray State. He had an outstanding 2025 NCAA tournament and during the season had an NCAA best eight lead off home runs. I was honored to meet his parents at this years spring training camp.

Nate Humphreys - 23 years old - signed un-drafted free agent - 7/22/25 - Dallas Baptist University - LH hitter - RH thrower - was activated with Clearwater on 8/5 last season - 24 games - 102 plate appearances. Defensively played CF in 17 games. He is from Midlothian, Texas and graduated from Midlothian HS. His father Mike Humphreys played in 54 games for the Yankees over three seasons as an outfielder in the Major Leagues from 1991 to 1993 and his brother Zach Humphreys is playing in the Los Angeles Angels organization as a catcher at the AAA level. Nate made a spectacular catch in center field on 8/15/25 against Lakeland to save a no-hitter. He has shown great range in his games as a center fielder with Clearwater and in Spring Camp. Looks like a solid left handed bat with pop.

Manolfi Jimenez - 21 years old - signed international free agent - 1/15/22 - Santo Domingo, DR - LH hitter/thrower - played most of the 2025 season with the FCL Phillies - 46 games - 171 plate appearances - .306/.339/.529 slash line and .868 OPS. Promoted to Clearwater on 6/24, returned to FCL 7/2 and transferred back to Clearwater on 8/8 - played in 25 games with the Threshers - 94 plate appearances. He was named an FCL All-Star as he was second in the loop in batting average and led the league in slugging percentage and triples. Manolfi is a very pleasant young man who came stateside in 2024 and had a decent season in the FCL - he’s got pop in his bat - has seven stateside home runs on the spacious backfields in his two years of play. Plays with energy, has decent wheels and is a hard worker. Played winter ball with the  Adelaide Giants in Australia. Has tools to build upon - had a strong finish to Spring Training Camp this year.

The last article.

Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️

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