6/4/26 : Minor League Radar Watch

Since I’ve been writing about the Phillies Player Development Process I’ve created and continued with multiple article series. Daily reports (Winter League Roundup, Today in Spring Training, ST Minor League Game Stats, Minor League Round-Up), weekly reports (Week in Review), monthly reports (Players of the Month, former Phillies with other organizations, former Phillies playing in Independent Leagues), annual reports (off-season individual player notes on the prior season - this used to be a annual book) and periodic focuses (Just Sayin, News & Notes, Player Transactions, Player Spotlights) - if not for nothing else I probably put out more volume than anyone on the Phillies minor leagues 🤪.

So … here’s a new article that perhaps may also become a series - Minor League Radar Watch. I dislike ranking lists - they are subjective hierarchical rankings and in the scheme of things often inaccurate assessments, I just don’t like listing players in a hierarchical numeric order - so instead of doing one of those here’s a list of stateside players by position (at least one for each defensive position will be listed) doing things on the field ( I am not including players currently on the IL who haven’t played any this season) that should put them on your radar - and yes I am also guilty akin to those who do ranking lists as indeed the narrative is subjective based upon what I’ve seen (I actually watch many of the games) 😎.

Catcher :

Alirio Ferrebus - Clearwater - 20 years old - signed as an international free agent 1/15/23 - Venezuela - has posted excellent numbers (amongst league leaders) in the first two months. Has a large angular frame at 6’2” - reminds me in build of former big leaguer Benito Santiago. While he doesn’t have the arm strength that Benito had there’s plenty enough to advance and stay at the catcher position along with good hands and feel for the game. Very good bat to ball skills, has a career 17% strikeout rate - this year has already hit more home runs than any other season in his career.

First Base :

Felix Reyes  - Lehigh Valley - 25 years old - signed as an international free agent - 2/22/20 - Bani, Dominican Republic - all he does is consistently hit the ball hard, is a very aggressive hitter with strong bat to ball skills however he will also chase as there’s no delivery he doesn’t feel as if he can’t reach. That was more prevalent in his last few plate appearances in his first stint in the show. That being said he returned to LHV and immediately began to mash. The big man can hit, I have no doubt he can hit major league pitching productively if given an extended chance - that may not come with the Phillies but other organizations should definitely have him on their radar as a potential middle of the lineup bat. As the Buffalo game announcer said this past week “he hits the baseball so hard it leaves little time for the fielders to react.” That’s good stuff.

Keaton Anthony  - Lehigh Valley - 24 years old (25 on 6/24/26) - signed as un-drafted free agent 7/18/23 - University of Iowa - just returned to full active status this week, broke a bone in his foot during big league spring training. All he’s ever done in his pro career is post top of the league batting averages and on base percentages at every level he’s played. Strong bat to ball skills - has pop on occasion, is a doubles machine. Not the fleetest afoot, has become an outstanding fielder at first base, gold glove winner. He’s a right handed version of TJ Rumfield with not as much HR production but better batting averages. If given the chance he can hit big league pitching.

Note : Both of these fellas are somewhat immobile defenders, first base is their best position however each has seen some time in the outfield (Keaton played LF in spring training) and Felix has played some third base as well. They are not fleet footed but are capable of manning an outfield corner. The hit tools are their tickets upward and their reason to stick.

Second Base :

Aroon Escobar - Reading - 21 years old - signed as an international free agent - 1/15/22 - Caracas, Venezuela - he’s built like a tank and plays with true enthusiasm. Last season was a statistical breakout but folks in the business have known about his skillset long before that. He’s playing at the AA level as one of the youngest players in the Eastern League and has held his own to date, has pop and the ability to be a top of the order run producer.

Robert Phelps - Clearwater - 22 years old - 2025 19th round draft selection - Reinhardt University - is in his first full season of pro baseball and has excelled in the first couple of months showing pop, clutch hitting, leadership and a high baseball IQ. Loves to play and it shines thru. Has shown the ability to defend at three infield positions but has split most of his time between second and third base this season. Has put himself on the radar with his performance to date.

Note : Both fellas have also seen significant time at third base but in my humble opinion second base is their best position, quick hands and the footwork/ability to turn double plays are strengths for each.

Shortstop :

Bryan Rincon - Reading - 22 years old - 2022 14th round draft pick - Shaler HS - Pittsburgh, PA - now in his fourth full season of minor league play he’s turned heads this year for his offense - has always been considered as a top notch defender. Throughout his career Bryan has displayed occasional pop from the left side (he’s a switch hitter), he’s already set a new career high for home runs in just two months this year. Has always been a patient hitter with a respectable OBP, has the wheels to swipe bags and is on pace to top the 40 stolen bases he amassed last season. Scouts and baseball folks have always had him on their radar, the offensive prowess this season to date has others noticing as well.

Romeli Espinosa - FCL Phillies - 17 yrs old (will be 18 on 6/5) - signed as international free agent - 1/15/25 - Tamayo, Dominican Republic - an angular 6’4” shortstop who has impressed with his arm strength (a rocket) and ability to drive the baseball - he was brought stateside in January after playing last season in the DSL - has put up decent numbers in the initial month of FCL play. A very young player that has very evident talent when you see him perform, always smiling - even when he gets hit by a pitch 😳.

Matthew Ferrera  - Clearwater - 18 years old (19 on 6/4/26) - drafted 9th rd - 2025 draft from Toms Rivers East HS, Toms River, NJ  - the numbers aren’t great in the first two months but the skillset has shown - has pop in his bat with the ability to drive the ball as evidenced by half of his hits this season being for extra bases. Leads the Florida State League in triples. As a defender has shown both range and arm strength at both shortstop and second base with the majority of his time at shortstop thus far, reminds me of Trea Turner in his athleticism. Punches out a lot but that’s not unexpected given his aggressiveness and inexperience. Good looking player with tools to advance.

Juan Villavicencio - Clearwater - 21 years old - signed as an international free agent - 1/15/22 - Maracaibo, VZ - hits left handed - reminds me a bit of former Phillies second baseman Cesar Hernandez in build, makeup and skill set. Another fella who truly enjoys playing the game - very good teammate and competitor. Injuries have set him back in previous years. Has pop in the bat but will also chase out of the zone - when he makes contact it’s generally hit hard, good wheels as well. As a middle infielder has very good hands, quick reactions - has played third and shortstop this season but we’ve also seen him at second base. Has the arm to man the left side. Can be molded into perhaps a valuable utility type as he advances.

Third Base :

Nolan Beltran - Clearwater - 21 years old - signed international free agent 1/15/22 - Colombia - left handed hitter who’s had battles with the injury bug prior to this season - began the year in extended spring training before being sent to Reading as a reserve - once transferred back to Clearwater he took off displaying the offensive prowess we saw predominantly in the DSL and glimpses of on the backfields in the FCL. As a defender he’s very versatile playing 1B, 2B, SS, 3B and LF - I like him at third the most as has quick reactions and makes good decisions based upon game situations as to where to get outs. If he can avoid the injuries has tools to climb up the ladder.

Carson DeMartini - Reading - 23 years old (23 on 12/27/25)  - drafted in 4th round of the 2024 draft from Virginia Tech - last season suffered a wrist injury that required surgical repair - was back at it this spring as a NRI in big league camp and showed the left handed power that’s his calling card. Had gotten off to a good start with Reading this year once again driving the ball but had to go back on the IL after another wrist injury. When he’s healthy he’s played 2B, SS and 3B with the focus this season being at second and third base - is a decent defender but the ticket upwards is his bat. Hopefully returns to action at some point this summer, is a strong candidate to send later to the Arizona Fall League.

Center Field :

OF Dante Nori - Reading - 21 years old - drafted in 1st round - 2024 draft from Northville HS, Northville, MI - I am a big fan of his overall game, demeanor, acumen and skill set. The young man is well grounded yet confident, I can see a “Schwarber like presence” in his development. Is one of the younger players in the Eastern League but has held his own, left handed bat who distinctly puts me in mind of Lenny Dykstra in his offensive approach. Is an excellent defensive center fielder. Maintains his composure even when going thru “mixups” as a hitter. Speed to burn, very good base runner. I see a gap to gap top of the order on base machine when I project what he can do at higher levels with occasional pop. The kid is on a major league path, he will get there and has the ability to stay as a productive player for a very long time.

Griffin Burkholder - Clearwater - 20 years old - 2024 2nd round draft pick - Freedom HS - South Riding, VA - has a prototype build for a professional athlete - strong and athletic. As noted before he’s struggled with hamstring issues that have kept him off the field but this season to date has been healthy and very productive. Hits the ball very hard, can drive it out to all fields. Excellent speed and a strong throwing arm, can play center field yet may profile more as a right fielder given the arm strength (ability to make the throw from RF corner on a line to 3B bag). Great attitude, very coachable yet already well taught. Can reach the show if healthy and have a long productive career.

Nathan Humphreys - 23 years old - signed un-drafted free agent - 7/22/25 - Dallas Baptist University - position players from Dallas Baptist generally can swing the bat well and Nathan definitely falls into that category. He’s a left handed hitter who will work counts and generally put the ball in play - will take his walks as well. Has pop, in just 60 pro games to date has seven taters. Is a very good defensive outfielder - range, speed and decent arm, has played primarily center field but has also seen time in both corners. Hard nosed player who gets after it, fun to watch, has skills to advance.

Right Field :

Gabriel Rincones Jr - Lehigh Valley - 25 years old - drafted - 3rd round of the 2022 draft from Florida Atlantic University - was just activated this week from the IL as was rehabbing from knee discomfort. Gabriel is a big fella who’s muscularly built at 6’4”. The ball flies off his bat with easy power - has a “pretty lefty swing” - no wasted motion and direct thru the ball. Has the ability to drive the baseball to all fields. Confident in his abilities, won’t be intimidated by any situation. He’s a solid and steady defender, smart player who is also an excellent base runner. He is on the 40 man roster and can be a possible solution to the big club’s offensive woes, his right handed pitching very well, in my opinion can also hit lefties, just needs more exposure against them. Is on the verge of a major league debut, can be a lineup regular.

Raylin Heredia  - Reading - 22 years old - international free agent - 2/2/21 - Dominican Republic - is a doubles machine, has put up decent numbers in his first full season at the AA level - drives the ball with authority into the gaps, good wheels but also can pop it over the fence. Defensively has shown a great arm, power, decent wheels, bat speed and a passion to play. He’s a prototype right fielder in my view with a chance to develop into a power bat run producer - plays with confidence and enthusiasm, very likable person and teammate.

Victor Cardoza - Clearwater - 20 years old - signed as an international free agent 1/15/23 - Venezuela - quite honestly wasn’t on my radar till he went on a tear in May posting extraordinary numbers for the FCL Phillies and Clearwater Threshers. We saw glimpses of that last summer on the FCL backfields - he’s an aggressive hitter who can be prone to strikeouts (strikeouts weren’t an issue this May). Has pop, defensively is decent in regard to tracking, will make the routine plays and occasionally run down a ball that many cannot - throwing can be a bit erratic. When ya post an OPS over 1.000 over an extended stretch folks should take more notice - so I have.

Left Field :

Dylan Campbell - Reading - 23 years old (24 on 7/2/26)  - acquired in trade with Dodgers - 1/17/25 - in the Arizona Fall League excelled in a super utility role playing 1B,2B,3B and the outfield - the focus has been more as an outfielder with Reading so far this season as he’s seen time at every position. As he showed out in Arizona he’s got pop and the ability to drive the baseball, will punch out quite a bit as seen this year yet half of his hits have gone for extra bases, he’s an impact player in key spots. The defensive versatility (he’s a strong defender wherever he plays) coupled with the ability to drive the ball puts him in line as a super utility type as he continues to advance.

Devin Saltiban - Jersey Shore - 21 years old - drafted in 3rd round of the 2023 draft from Hilo HS, Hilo, Hawaii - he suffered a painful injury last season and subsequent medical procedure to address it costing him two months of the year. During the rehab work the decision was made to convert him back to the outfield rather than continue development as a second baseman. The majority of his time has since been in center field however he’s also been acclimated to and has played each corner, he’s not shown top notch defensive skill consistency however there have been outstanding plays. Has serious pop to develop, good wheels (steals bags) and a great attitude. In his fourth pro season is still one of the youngest players at the High A level. The numbers won’t jump off at you but there’s underlying talent here that could develop, punches out quite a lot and is an aggressive hitter but when contact is made it flies.

Jonathan Hogart - Clearwater - 24 years old - signed un-drafted free agent - 7/22/25 - Murray State University - has a solid overall skillset, just a really good, smart ball player who has the ability to advance - had an injury set back in spring camp but since then has been healthy and very productive - had an outstanding month of May. Has played each of the outfield corners as a pro but was a center fielder in college - can handle all three spots well. Has pop (seven HR’s in first 59 games as a pro), good plate discipline and leadership qualities - will climb the ladder accordingly.

Utility :

Defensive versatility is key to building ball clubs - most every position player that goes thru Phillies Player Development will learn to play more than one position however there are those who are utilized at multiple spots - these two fellas stand out in that ability.

Bryson Ware - Reading - 25 years old - drafted in 8th round of the 2023 draft from Auburn University - a hard nosed, smart ball player, not a standout defender however his athleticism and intuition allows him to get the job done at each spot he’s played. He’s shown the willingness to step up to any challenge put before him, as a hitter will always be in each AB, battles, quick hands, ability to read and adjust to pitches - he’s a baseball player who does a lot of things well, the kind of player that winning teams have. Is a solid hitter. Has pop as he’s shown with two double digit HR seasons and nine taters already this year. This season has seen a good bit of time at second and third base however has played every defensive position except pitcher and catcher thus far in his pro career.

Raider Tello - Jersey Shore - 25 years old - signed as an un-drafted free agent - 7/23/24 - University of Iowa - recently placed on the IL with abductor pain however he had an outstanding month of May. Is a smart, heady player who posts everyday and offers versatility with good defense at multiple positions. When I’ve watched Raider play I’ve always seen a professional approach and effort, he gives it all he has - a smart player. As a hitter in his brief pro career to date he’s produced with a consistently good on base percentage and decent average - also has shown ability to deliver in the clutch and be productive in a part time role. Defensively this season has played 1B, 3B, LF and RF but also has seen time already in his career at 2B and SS as well. Just a good all-around ball player.

Starting Pitchers :

RH Gage Wood - Reading  - 22 years old - drafted in 1st round of the 2025 draft from University of Arkansas - his fastball has great movement and is a go-to pitch that he can throw by hitters. Development areas are pitch sequencing, use of his secondaries and further refining them. Is an outstanding competitor, often wears his emotions on his sleeve. Promoted to the AA level to challenge him and help him develop into a more rounded pitcher rather than relying on blowing the fastball by hitters. There’s talent here to mold, patience both from the player and fan base is required to bring it to full fruition.

RH Ramon Marquez - Clearwater - 20 years old - signed international free agent 1/15/25 - Mexico - has outstanding stuff, demeanor, approach and baseball acumen. Fastball (sinker) has climbed into the 95-97 mph range this season, has a great changeup that he uses akin to how Christopher Sanchez pitches. Excellent command of the changeup - also throws a put away slider. Has the tools to climb to the top - this spring was bothered by shoulder discomfort and thus development plans have been cautionary to address those concerns - we first saw him on the backfields in the FCL last summer - one definitely to watch.

RH Braydon Tucker - Reading - 26 years old - signed un-drafted free agent 7/19/23 - Lipscomb University - the top 20th percentile K/9 threshold for starting pitchers is generally anything at or above 7.56 - Braydon is right there career wise and this season at 7.58. He’s leading the Eastern League in ERA amongst qualified players and in fact at the moment has the top ERA amongst all minor league pitchers who qualify for innings pitched. He’s third in the Eastern League in WHIP amongst qualified players. Regarding his pitch velocity he’s touched 95 mph this season but general sits 91-94 with his sinker which he mixes with a cutter and sweeper - will on occasion throw a spilt finger change up and slider. Mixes well and throws from the third base side of the rubber for increased deception - hides ball well throughout the delivery.  Puts me in mind of Merrill Kelly. Those who doubt his ability likely have never seen him pitch - all he does is get hitters out - just sayin.

RH Brad Pacheco - Clearwater - 20 years old - signed international free agent 5/18/23 - Bejuma, Venezuela - first came to our attention when he was popping upper nineties in the DSL in 2024 - has a compact build and delivery - ball explodes out of his hand - put away stuff - live riding fastball, decent change up and developing slider. Generally commands the zone and throws quality strikes. High quality arm.

LH Mavis Graves - Jersey Shore - 22 years old - drafted in 6th round of the 2022 draft from Eastside HS, Taylors, SC - a big fella at 6’6” with a good competitive approach and a great amount of upside. Has a good feel for his changeup which has a decent ten mph differential from his fast ball which generally sits 92-94. Can spin the ball very well - slider and sweeper are standout deliveries and can get even better. He’s made steady progress during his time in the program. Had a very good month of May - has now made 30 starts at the High A level which puts him in line for a jump to AA in the near future. Has come a long way from when I first watched him struggle on the backfields in FCL play as a raw talent - that’s a testament to both him and the PD staff for the hard work and perseverance.

Relief Pitchers :

RH Alex McFarlane - Reading - 24 years old (25 on 6/9/26)  - drafted in 4th round of the 2022 draft from University of Miami - he has been excellent this season and has yet to yield an earned run. Has an upper nineties fastball that often reaches triple digits, sinker, slider and splitter - the type of stuff that can dominant out of the bullpen. Alex is one of the most pleasant and upbeat people I’ve met - a truly good soul who just so happens to have major league talent as well. His demeanor is calm and steady, won’t scare in any situation. High quality arm that has made folks notice, is riding on an upward path to the show.

RH Seth Johnson - Lehigh Valley - 27 years old - acquired in trade with Orioles 7/30/24 - has thrown the baseball this season as well as I’ve seen him in his brief time with the organization - features a four seam fastball generally 95-98 mph, has touched 100, slider, splitter, curve. He has good mechanics and a repeatable delivery. Has battled control and command on occasion in prior years but this season has excelled with a 34/9 K/BB comparison in 21 appearances (23.1 IP). He’s a big leaguer just waiting for a full time role to open up somewhere.

RH Wen-Hui Pan - Jersey Shore - 23 years old - signed international free agent 1/15/23 - Hualien, Taiwan - this is his first season back after missing last year recovering from TJ surgery - he’s been dominant - is basically a two pitch hurler - upper nineties to triple digits fastball with big life and a traditional tumbling splitter but will also toss an occasional slider. He’s overmatched the High A hitters he’s faced however has only been at that level for three weeks to date, this being his fourth. Had an outstanding month of May, has the goods to advance as a back end reliever but I’m sure development will be cautious given it’s his first year back.

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/NKjZkK