5/1/26 : FCL projected Opening Day Roster

Compiled and written by Steve Potter

Under the leadership of first year manager Wilson Ramos (played in twelve major league seasons with the Twins, Nationals, Rays, Phillies, Mets, Tigers and Guardians as a catcher) the Florida Complex League (FCL) Phillies open their season on Saturday, May 2nd against the Blue Jays in Dunedin. They will play once again in the league’s North Division with games against the Tigers, Yankees and Blue Jays in a 59 game schedule.

Games are played five days a week with Wednesdays (Camp Day) and Sundays (Off Day) purposely left open. The league formats it’s schedule in regions so as to limit travel needs - weekday games are generally played at noon with Saturday games at 10 AM. The season runs from 5/2 till 7/23 with a four team playoff following (there are 15 teams in the league - three divisions (East, North and South) with each division winner and a wild card team making the playoffs). Last year’s league champion was the Blue Jays.

Here’s a look at this year’s projected opening day roster (based upon what is shown on the website) :

Pitchers : (18)

RH Ramon Marquez (20 yrs old) - signed as an international free agent 1/15/25 - Mexico - last year he made 10 FCL appearances (eight starts) posting a 4.50 ERA in 38 IP with 50 K’s and only 12 walks. Was promoted to Clearwater on 7/29 - made 4 starts - 17 IP, 4.24 ERA, 22 K’s, 5 walks. Overall in his first pro season pitched 55 innings (14 games) with a 4.42 ERA - 72 K’s, 17 walks. Had an outstanding June - five starts - 2.57 ERA, 21 IP, 26 K’s, 5 BB. Was named the organization Pitcher of the Month for June, 2025. Was excellent to finish the season - three August starts - 14 IP, 1.93 ERA, 18 K’s, 2 walks. This spring was slowed by shoulder discomfort. In two extended spring outings he threw seven total innings allowing two runs on seven hits and one walk - struck out 12 batters - fastball range was up from last summer in those outings as he showed 93-98 mph (last summer was 92-94 mph, touched 96) - features a sinking fastball, changeup, cutter and slider. Has a smooth delivery Exciting young arm who has a 6’1” frame to add more muscle and likely velocity. Change up is an excellent pitch for him, has great command of his arsenal.

RH Matthew Fisher (20 yrs old) - 2025 7th round draft pick - Memorial HS, Evansville, IN - He posted a 6-0 record and a 0.76 ERA with 61 K’s and 11 walks in 36.2 IP during his senior HS season. He was also an All-State HS quarterback and led his team to an undefeated season in 2024. During his senior year he was named the Southern Indiana Athletic Conference Player of the year in both football and baseball. He is the ninth graduate of Memorial HS to be chosen in the MLB Draft including Don Mattingly in 1979.  Fisher had committed to Indiana University prior to signing with the Phillies. Features a fastball (90-93 mph in two extended spring outings), slider, curve and change up.  I saw him pitch in live BP this spring - gets big spin on his secondaries with swing and miss movement. Has yet to make his official pro debut.

RH Alexander De Los Santos (19 yrs old) - signed international free agent 1/15/23 - Santo Domingo, DR - was brought stateside on 5/1/25 and assigned to the FCL Phillies - appeared in two games (4.2 IP) before being placed on the IL 5/15 and staying there the balance of the year working with the rehab team at the complex. Had a strong 2024 season in the DSL appearing in 11 games (9 starts) totaling 38 IP and posting a 2.13 ERA with 38 K’s and 19 walks. His fastball is in the 90 to 94 mph range, touches 96, change-up and slider. Has compact delivery - slightly above 3/4 arm slot, good action on breaking pitches.

RH Deiry Gonzalez (18 yrs old) - signed international free agent 1/15/25 - San Cristobal, Dominican Republic - pitched last season in the DSL and made the All-Star team posting a 1.10 ERA in 10 starts (40 IP) with a 0.95 WHIP and .213 BAA - 34 K’s, 8 walks. Was promoted stateside on 1/10/26 - he features a fastball, slider, change up and curve - in two extended spring outings he’s pitched 6.1 innings allowing 4 runs on 7 hits with no walks and 3 strikeouts - fastball in the 87-91 mph range.

LH Angel Liranzo (19 yrs old) - signed international free agent 1/15/23 - Sanchez, Dominican Republic - last year (2025) was with the FCL Phillies - 12 appearances (ten starts) totaling 55 IP with a 3.60 ERA - 46 K’s, 18 walks. Promoted to Clearwater on 8/7 - made 5 appearances (four starts) amassing 19.1 IP with a 4.66 ERA - 13 K’s, 10 walks. Overall pitched 74.1 IP (career high) posting a 3.87 ERA in 17 appearances (14 starts) with 59 K’s and 28 walks coming off the 2024 season where he spent the majority of the season on the IL - 1 appearance (2.1 IP) - it was a strong return to action. Angel was part of a three pitcher no hitter for Clearwater on 8/15/25 against Lakeland going four innings allowing just two walks while striking out two batters. This year began the season with the Threshers and made one appearance (2.1 IP - 1 R, 1 H, 1 BB, 3 K’s) on April 4th - was reassigned to the FCL on 4/7/26. He features a sinker along with a four seamer (91-95 mph in two extended spring appearances), a really good change up, hard slider and curve - is generally  a strike thrower who competes each and every pitch - athletic with an easy motion.  A 6’1” frame that is starting to fill out - he’s an under the radar guy at present but I believe that it won’t be for long as he’s got strong pitching acumen and projectable skills.

RH Matt Potok (22 yrs old) - 18th round draft choice in the 2025 draft from Coastal Carolina University - has yet to pitch in an official professional game - He recorded a 2.52 ERA in 21 appearances (one start) in his 2025 season at Coastal Carolina totaling 35.2 IP with 33 K’s and 8 walks. Made 49 collegiate appearances overall (13 starts) with a 4.57 ERA in 106.1 IP, 101 K’s, 29 walks. He pitched five innings over three appearances in the 2025 College World Series Tournament going 2-0 allowing three runs on nine hits and two walks while posting two strikeouts. He’s from Jackson, New Jersey and graduated from Jackson Memorial High School where he lettered four years in baseball. Had elbow surgery in 2024 and missed that collegiate season. Known for his bulldog competitive spirit, strong command and control, he is a strike thrower. Features a fastball, slider and changeup. Appeared in one extended spring game throwing 2.2 scoreless frames with a fastball in the low nineties range.

RH Anderson Navas (19 yrs old) - signed international free agent 1/15/24 - El Tigre, Venezuela  - signed originally as a catcher - played two seasons in the DSL as a catcher/first baseman  - converted to a pitcher in Dominican Academy Fall Camp of 2025 - brought stateside as a pitcher for Spring Training - has big arm capabilities - in a 3/25/26 ST game fastball sat in the 95-99 mph range - in three extended spring training appearances has pitched four innings - two runs, four hits, two walks and four strikeouts - fastball range 94-97 mph - has shown a slider as secondary pitch. Raw talent as a pitcher.

RH Tegan Cain (23 yrs old) - drafted in 13th round of the 2024 draft from the University of Kansas - did not pitch during the 2025 season - worked with the rehab team at the complex returning from the Tommy John surgery he underwent in the fall of 2024. Has pitched in just two professional games - August of 2024 with the Threshers - two perfect innings - two strikeouts. He has made five appearances in extended spring games showing a live heater in the 93-96 mph range - is a side winder (delivers from low slot) who features a sinker, change-up, slider, and curve. Graduated from Ellis HS in Ellis, Kansas. Spent two years playing for Barton Community College before transferring to the University of Kansas for his junior year after which the Phillies drafted him. I saw him throw in person for the first time this past August in a side bullpen at the complex and again this spring  - I am impressed with the release point and ball movement (I watched from behind the plate). Just needs to garner game experiences to progress in his return from surgery.

LH David Hernandez (18 yrs old) - signed as international free agent 1/15/25 - Culiacan, Mexico - has yet to play in an official professional game - brought stateside in March - has appeared in two extended spring training games - 3 IP, 0 runs, 1 hit, 0 walks and 4 strikeouts - fastball range 88-91

RH Eligio Arias (23 yrs old) - signed as international free agent 12/2/23 - Salcedo, Dominican Republic - last year (2025) made 15 appearances with the FCL Phillies - 4.94 ERA in 23.2 IP - 26 K’s, 14 BB, 1.35 WHIP, .212 BAA - it was his second year of pro action - pitched in the DSL in 2024 - 13 appearances (5 starts) - 7.44 ERA in 32.2 IP.

He is a big fella at 6’7” 230 who throws hard - in four extended spring outings this year he’s been in the 94-98 mph range - with a four seam fastball and a slider as secondary pitch. He generally has struggled with both command and control but the stuff can play. I have seen appearances where he is dominant - if can reel in the command has ability to advance.

LH Raymon Rosario (20 yrs old) - signed as international free agent 6/13/23 - Santiago, DR - began the 2025 season with the FCL Phillies - 13 appearances (one start) - 22.2 IP - 7.54 ERA - 21 K’s, 15 walks - transferred to Clearwater 8/24 - 5 appearances - 7.1 IP - 8.59 ERA - 6 K’s, 3 walks. He is a young lefty who was brought stateside after posting 46.1 innings in 12 DSL starts in 2024 - features a four seam fastball in the 90-95 mph range, slider, change up and sinker. Had his struggles with both command and control in 2025 - in June had a run which showed what he might become - was used as a multi inning reliever (usually one plus to three innings).

RH Luis Gonzalez (20 yrs old) - signed as an international free agent 1/15/22 - Barquisimeto, Venezuela - began last season (2025) with the FCL Phillies - 12 appearances (seven starts) - 47.1 IP - 3.04 ERA - 33 K’s, 13 walks - 2.54 K/BB - promoted to Clearwater 8/26 - two starts - 7 IP - 5 K’s, 4 BB - had an outstanding month of July - 0.57 ERA in 3 appearances (one start) - 15.2 IP - 0.96 WHIP, 11 K’s, 5 walks. He is a generally a strike thrower - has made three extended spring training appearances - 8.2 IP, 1 R, 5 H, 3 BB, 10 K’s - fastball range is 90 to 94 mph, also throws a slider, change up and cutter. Was a DSL All-Star in 2023. Knows how to pitch, mix and hit spots, smooth athletic delivery.

RH Wilmer Blanco (22 yrs old) -signed as an international free agent 12/14/21 - Maracay, Venezuela - did not pitch during the 2025 season - went on the IL 5/3 and remained there. Made three appearances this year in extended spring training games and has pitched well totaling twelve innings allowing two runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out fourteen batters -his fastball has ticked up into the 92-96 mph range  - features a fastball, change-up, slider and curve - has a big frame at 6’3” - is looking to return to the form he displayed in 2023 in the DSL when he posted a 2.80 ERA in 45 innings pitched - spent three seasons in the DSL (2022 -2024) before coming stateside.

LH Yordanis Guerra (19 yrs old) - signed as an international free agent 1/15/25 - San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic - pitched last season in the DSL - 12 appearances - 3 starts - 3.03 ERA in 32.2 IP with 35 K’s and 16 walks - has appeared in two extended spring training games - 3 IP, 2 R, 3 H, 2 BB, 3 K’s - FB in the 90-93 mph range.

RH Jesus Montiel (19 yrs old) - signed as an international free agent 7/23/24 - La Paz, Mexico - has pitched the past two seasons in the DSL - 12 games - 11 starts - 6.08 ERA, 40 IP, 46 K’s, 15 walks - in his one extended spring appearance he struck out two batters in a perfect inning of work - FB 92-93 mph.

LH Aneury Montilla (19 yrs old) - signed as an international free agent 2/27/25 - Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic - pitched in the DSL in 2025 - 13 games - 10 starts - 35 IP, 6.43 ERA, 39 K’s, 17 walks - in two extended spring appearances (2 IP) yielded two runs, one hit, one walk and one strikeout - FB 87-90 mph.

RH Patrick Crotty (17 yrs old) - signed as an international free agent 3/26/26 - Brisbane, Australia - comes stateside almost directly after signing, trained at the Dominican Academy till his U.S. work visa was processed - features a fastball (90-93 mph) and slider - big, tall and lean frame who’s yet to physically fully develop - pitched for the Australia national under 18 team in the 2025 World Cup against the USA, China and Italy allowing two runs in 5.2 IP.

RHP Naiker Velazquez (21 yrs old) - signed as an international free agent 6/4/24 - did not pitch in 2025 due to an elbow injury. Appeared in 14 games in 2024 in the DSL totaling 27 IP with a high ERA - that season showed a fastball in the 90-95 mph range along with a slider, change up and curve.

Catchers : (4)

Anderson Araujo (18 yrs old) - signed as an international free agent - 1/15/25 - Barquisimeto, VZ - last year (2025) in his first professional season posted a .289/.377/.528 slash line and .905 OPS in 183 plate appearances with 35 runs scored, 11 doubles, 3 triples, 7 home runs and 29 RBIs with 19 walks, 37 strikeouts and 11 stolen bases in the Dominican Summer League. Was the organization’s co-hitter of the month in July - .373/.431/.814 slash line and 1.244 OPS in 65 plate appearances with 17 runs, 4 doubles, 2 triples, 6 home runs,15 RBIs and 4 stolen bases. Defensively caught in 24 games - .991 fielding percentage - threw out 16 of 65 base stealers (25 %) - played first base in 18 games - 1.000 fielding percentage. He was brought stateside for spring training - by my count in extended spring games he’s went 8 for 31 with a home run and four RBIs - should be a lineup regular this summer in the FCL.

Guillermo Rosario (21 yrs old) - signed as international free agent - 7/25/22 - Santo Domingo, DR - last year (2025) split time between the FCL Phillies and Clearwater - not a good statistical year - 46 games played - 159 plate appearances - .139/.245/.190 slash line - 2 home runs, 14 RBIs - defensively caught in 18 games - .980 fielding percentage - played first base in 29 games. The ability is far better than the numbers Guillermo put up for the season - large frame at 6’2” - solid mechanics - swing can get long but have seen pop - needs to focus on more contact - pleasant young man with a great smile - hard worker - began this season with the Threshers - was sent to extended spring training on 4/21 after playing sparingly - has played in three extended spring games going 2 for 10 with two doubles.

Gabriel Flores (18 yrs old) - signed as international free agent - 1/15/25 - Valencia, Venezuela - was promoted stateside this April - played in 35 games in the 2025 DSL accumulating 128 plate appearances - played in games both as a catcher and first baseman. In four extended spring games this year he’s went 3 for 11 with a walk and two RBIs.

Rey Cruz (18 yrs old) - signed as international free agent - 5/16/25 - Ciudad Habana, Cuba - played last season (2025) in the DSL - 35 games - 132 PA’s - .273/.394/.291 slash line with one triple, 12 RBIs, 15 walks and 5 stolen bases - promoted stateside on 4/28/26 - he’s a switch hitter who can also play first base.

Infielders : (5)

Romeli Espinosa (17 yrs old)  - signed as international free agent - 1/15/25 - Tamayo, Dominican Republic - an angular 6’4” shortstop who impressed this spring with his arm strength (a rocket) and ability to drive the baseball - he was brought stateside on 1/10/26 after playing last season in the DSL (41 games - 168 PA’s - .282/.363/.430 slash line with 6 doubles, 3 triples, 2 home runs and 12 RBIs - also stole 12 bases in 16 attempts) - this spring in minor league games went 6 for 29 with four singles and two doubles - in extended spring he’s went 8 for 40 with two doubles - a very young player that has very evident talent when you see him play.

Logan Dawson (19 yrs old) - drafted in 16th round of the 2025 draft from Eastern HS, Vorrhees, NJ - LH hitter - Logan had committed to Boston College before being drafted by the Phillies but when his favorite team offered him a contract he said  “I am a diehard fan and it’s crazy, it doesn’t seem real, It is a dream come true.” He’s already made a good impression as a pro - hard worker, dedicated and a team player.  The young man has baseball capabilities as well - big frame, quick hands, bat to ball skills and a good eye at the dish - defensively has a quick release and strong arm - has seen the majority of his time in both spring training and extended spring at third base with some time at shortstop also. Has struggled at the dish in nine extended spring games finding consistency but has hit a double and two triples.

Jose Familia (18 yrs old) - signed as an international free agent - 1/15/24 - El Fundo, DR - LH hitter - played in 46 games - 160 plate appearances in 2025 with the FCL Phillies. Defensively played in 45 games at shortstop - made 25 errors - .857 fielding percentage. He played stateside in only his second pro season - was just 17 years old and struggled both offensively and defensively- long (6’2”) angular build - has pop which I saw in multiple batting practice sessions - long swing which will need to be cut down to make consistent contact. This spring in extended spring games he’s struggled at the plate again - has played more second base this time around.

Jonathan Alcantara (18 yrs old) - signed as an international free agent - 6/17/25 - San Cristobal, Dominican Republic - played in 19 games last season in the DSL, his first as a pro - had 81 plate appearances - defensively played shortstop - this year in extended spring training he has went 4 for 23 with a home run - playing second base.

Maylerson Casanova (19 yrs old) - signed as an international free agent - 1/15/24 - San Cristobal, Dominican Republic - played two seasons (2024 & 2025) in the DSL - 311 plate appearances - last year was his best year - .267/.331/.382 in 145 PA’s with 6 doubles, 3 triples, a home run and 14 RBIs with 12 stolen bases - has 27 stolen bases in his two year totals - defensively has played 2B, SS, 3B and all three outfield positions. Was just promoted stateside in late April.

Outfielders  : (6)

Jack Barker (20 yrs old) - drafted in 13th round of the 2025 draft from the College of Southern Idaho - he’s from Meridian, Idaho and graduated from Mountain View HS. Had committed to attend Colorado Mesa University after his two seasons at Southern Idaho but chose to sign with the Phillies instead. Had an outstanding spring training camp going 13 for 26 (.500) with five walks and five stolen bases in minor league games with three doubles and two triples - he made the Threshers opening day roster as a first baseman/outfielder. He struggled in 46 plate appearances with Clearwater and was transferred to extended spring training on 4/24/26. He’s a power bat from the left side of the dish and a good fielder - looking to regain the form he showed this spring.

Victor Cardozo (20 yrs old) - signed international free agent - 1/15/23 - Puerto Cabello, Venezuela - played in 46 games - 174 plate appearances with the 2025 FCL Phillies - .222/.287/.342 slash line and .629 OPS with 8 doubles, 1 triple, 3 home runs, 15 RBIs, 13 walks, 55 strikeouts and 6 stolen bases. It was Victor’s first time stateside as a player after having a standout 2024 season in the Dominican Summer League during which he posted a .333/.390/.562 slash line and .952 OPS in 178 plate appearances with 12 doubles and 7 home runs. He went 4 for 13 in minor league spring training games and 8 for 33 in extended spring contests.

Jalvin Arias (19 yrs old) - signed international free agent - 1/15/24- Peravia, Dominican Republic - was brought stateside 4/1/26 after playing his first two professional season in the DSL - 48 games (125 PA’s) - .216/.354/.284 with a .638 OPS - has went 5 for 28 in extended spring games. When signed he was noted for his raw power upside - hopefully this season that shines thru.

Esterling Rodriguez (20 yrs old) - signed international free agent - 1/15/23 - San Ignacio de Sabaneta, Dominican Republic - was brought stateside 4/1/26 after playing three seasons in the DSL (limited last year to five games due to injury) where he posted a .246/.373/.365 slash line and .738 OPS in 204 plate appearances with 13 doubles, 2 triples, a home run, 20 RBIs and 14 stolen bases.

Nathan Cijntje (19 yrs old) - signed international free agent - 1/15/24 - Willemstad, Curacao,has played two seasons in the DSL -154 plate appearances - .244/.384/.285 slash line in 44 games - is a patient hitter with 24 walks - can play all three outfield positions.

TJayy Walton (21 yrs old) - 2023 4th round draft selection - IMG Academy, Bradenton,FL - on rehab assignment from the Clearwater Threshers - placed on IL 4/2/26 -

2025 was a second consecutive injury riddled season for the young man from Virginia - was placed on the 60 day IL 4/15 - went on rehab assignment in the FCL on 6/3, activated with Clearwater on 6/24 but then returned to the IL on 8/19. Played in 11 games - 42 plate appearances with the FCL Phillies - .306/.381/.389 slash line and .770 OPS, 5 stolen bases - played in 34 games with Clearwater - 142 plate appearances - .200/.296/.256 slash line with a .552 OPS - 3 doubles, 2 triples, 12 RBIs, 15 walks, 48 strikeouts and 10 stolen base. He transferred in his senior season of high school to the IMG Academy from Emporia, Virginia and was committed to attend the University of Miami but signed with the Phillies instead. When I’ve seen him play he smokes the ball when impacting it but also has punched out a good amount. TJayy is a physical specimen at 6’1” - built like a tank and has a great smile, outgoing and is a friendly fella. There have been glimpses of power, speed and baseball skills but just hasn’t been able to stay on the field due to injuries in his brief career thus far to accumulate any consistency in reps. Hopefully this season that still happens and the young man can show out on what his capabilities are.

Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️

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