7/9/26 : Minor League Radar Watch - resources

With the trade deadline fast approaching here’s some notes on a few Phillies minor league players that are or should be on the radar as potential big league contributors either as trade chips or eventual promotions to the Phillies big league club. Also note I could care less how national outlets rank the systems - it’s a misnomer - did ya know that the Phillies currently have 26 players they selected and signed on active big league rosters and a collective total of 40 on forty man rosters - that’s not an unproductive system - there’s talent in every organization, how they are ranked is purely subjective.

One thing of note - when folks remark that the Phillies don’t have enough “resources” to make a significant transaction I think they forget that there are young players such as Justin Crawford and Gabriel Rincones Jr already on the major league roster that are valued assets as well as a high velocity reliever who’s been on the shuttle - Seth Johnson.  Acquiring a “name” player will require exchanging “valued” talent but it’s inaccurate to state that it can’t be done.

That being said here are some minor leaguers continuing to enlist themselves as assets who also are therefore “roster resources”.

Lehigh Valley :

RHP Brian Keller - the 32 year old certainly isn’t a trade chip however he’s pitched very well since signing as a free agent on 5/18/26. He missed two years of play after having TJ surgery in late 2023 coming off a season in Japan. Keller’s posted a 2.37 ERA in seven starts with LHV covering 30.1 IP and went six scoreless innings in his last outing allowing just two hits. He’s put himself on the radar as a potential big league spot starter if needed.

RHP Andrew Painter - he’s made two starts with the IronPigs since being optioned incorporating more of his four seamer with tweaked mechanics. He went six innings on 7/4/26 allowing one run on four hits. In that game he threw 54% four seamers of his 69 pitch total with a 2311 average spin rate (above his season average of 2257). The velocity range was 97 to 98 mph. He threw five different off speed pitches as well. In my opinion the 23 year old will pitch in the majors again this season. The talent is too good otherwise … other teams know that as well and if the club pursues a “big name” in trade then Andy may just be the primary chip in exchange.

LHP Tucker Davidson - the 30 year old has transitioned to two inning stints in his last two appearances after primarily being stretched out most of the year. In those two outings he’s yielded no runs on two hits with four strikeouts. It’s relevant since the big club has had their struggles in the lefty reliever category - Davidson signed with the Phillies on 1/2/26 after pitching in Korea in 2025. He’s got 56 games of big league experience (2020 to 2024) with four different teams pitching out of the pen in 39 of those contests. He’s not a trade chip but could perhaps fill a lefty reliever role in the show - is a low nineties fastball, sweeper, slider and curve pitcher who uses pitch-ability as his attack.

OF/1B Felix Reyes and Keaton Anthony - as stated before both of these home grown players can freaking hit, it’s their defensive lack of versatility that sets them back- both do very well at first base, Felix will catch what’s at him in an outfield corner as well, just won’t have a great deal of range. Reyes has 19 home runs and 58 RBIs with a .295 batting average and .579 slugging percentage at LHV in 271 PA’s - he can hit at the next level but will need to be afforded a learning curve. Keaton is a career .300 hitter in the minors - this season he’s posted a .288/.352/.486 slash line and .838 OPS in 125 PA’s coming off an ankle injury (activated 6/2/26) incurred in spring camp, he too should be able to hit at the next level if afforded the chance. They are assets as mid level trade chips.

UTL Christian Cairo - the 25 year old is on the 40 man roster and has had a very solid season at LHV appearing at five different defensive positions (2B,SS,3B, CF,LF). He’s the club’s minor league version of Edmundo Sosa.  Cairo has recorded a .261/.412/.338 slash line in 366 PA’s with 11 doubles, a triple, three home runs and 23 stolen bases. Signed as a minor league free agent on 12/19/25 he was pursued at the time by multiple teams. Could be incorporated into a trade package else provide a big league option if Sosa were moved or not signed next season (Edmundo is a free agent).

OF Bryan De La Cruz - just added to the 40 man roster after exercising an opt out in his contract he’s had a good season at LHV after earning league MVP honors in the Dominican Winter League. Bryan is seemingly always smiling and in an upbeat mood - he’s posted a .257/.350/.431 slash line with fhe IronPigs in 335 PA’s with 14 doubles, 12 home runs and 51 RBIs. The 29 year old is an adequate defender - another fella that could be incorporated into a trade package or if needed be called up to the show.

Reading  :

RHP Alex McFarlane - the 25 year old backend reliever has had a strong season as the Reading closer posting a 2.20 ERA in 30 games (32.2 IP) with 11 saves, 43 K’s and 18 walks. He’s went an inning plus in five of his outings with the max being two innings which he did on 7/4. Alex reaches triple digits with a sinking fastball that he couples with a strong splitter and a slider. He’s the type of quality arm that can be at the forefront of a trade exchange if not brought to the show at some point by the Phillies themselves.

RHP Wen-Hui Pan - the 23 year old from Taiwan missed all of last season rehabbing from TJ surgery - after an initial stint in Clearwater where he appeared in six games he’s been very good - nine appearances at Jersey Shore with a sparking 0.92 ERA in 11 IP and now eight appearances with Reading where he’s posted a 3.38 ERA in 8 IP - in three July outings he’s allowed no runs on two hits over three innings of work. Pan features an upper nineties to triple digits four seamer with a deep drop breaking splitter as his primary combination. He’s certainly a valuable asset that has the ability to get to the show - will pitch in the Futures All-Star game this coming weekend. Mid level value trade chip if used in an exchange.

RHP Gage Wood - intensity personified - the 22 year old has high velocity heat as a primary offering which he couples with three off speed deliveries. He’s been on both a pitch count and innings limit with five innings his longest outing to date. All 16 of his appearances between Clearwater and Reading have been starts - he’s amassed 55 IP which puts him on pace for around a 100 IP season target. Gage has recorded an overall ERA of 3.44 with 79 K’s and 21 walks. He’s a bundle of energy with eyes that can glare a hole thru ya 😳🤓. The kid wants to excel in the worst way, he seemingly expects perfection on every pitch. Likely the starter in the Futures All-Star game - definitely has big league stuff - I don’t foresee him as ready this season - still lots to learn about pitching as a professional but he’s progressing. Could be a lead piece in a trade for a significant return if that’s the path chosen else likely sees the show next year with the Phillies at some point.

2B/3B Aroon Escobar - the 21 year old has held his own at the AA level - the numbers are not eye popping (.230/.327/.319 in 361 PA’s - 8 doubles, 6 HR’s, 42 RBIs, 19 SB) but daily progress and growth is being made in learning how to navigate as a professional at a high level of play. The potential remains as a second baseman with pop who can also hit for average. I wouldn’t give up on this young man at all - he’s gonna get there. To me he’s a significant asset that is of mid level value in trade and is on course to reach the show in a year or two with two being more realistic. Has multiple skills.

SS Bryan Rincon - if ever there was a player who exemplifies the stick with it profile it’s this 22 year old switch hitter. After four minor league seasons hindered by injuries and low offensive production he’s popped this year at the AA level. Bryan has produced a .259/.390/.481 slash line and .871 OPS with 14 doubles, 12 home runs and 39 RBIs - he’s walked 48 times and struck out 59 which is a significantly better ratio than his earlier years. Bryan also has posted 19 stolen bases - he had 40 last year. Still a very good defender at shortstop to boot he’s rule 5 eligible this off-season. Scouts have always rated him highly for his defense and left handed pop potential - it’s come to fruition this season. Is an asset akin to Hendry Mendez last season who was traded to acquire Harrison Bader with the added value of playing a premium position - shortstop.

OF Raylin Heredia - the 22 year old Dominican has had an outstanding season to date - he’s posted a .291/.320/.529 slash line and a .849 OPS in 346 PA’s with 25 doubles, 17 home runs and 49 RBIs in his first season at the AA level. Raylin also is a great personality who graduated from the Phillies education program and speaks very good English. Has had a busy year, played for Adelaide in the Australian Baseball League this off-season and did well there also, trained with Jonathan Arauz in the off season as well - is an aggressive hitter with excellent eye hand coordination. Defensively is very solid as a right fielder - strong arm and instincts. He’s not been highly publicized but he’s a true asset - another one akin to Hendry Mendez in the type of trade he might be used in else can remain on the major league trajectory in the Phillies organization, the kid can play.

Jersey Shore :

RHP Ramon Marquez - the 20 year old has continued to turn heads this season after making his debut last year in the FCL and with Clearwater. After spending time in extended spring camp with a slow build up from shoulder discomfort he’s been excellent - in nine appearances (eight starts - one piggyback) he recorded a 2.05 ERA (44 IP) with Clearwater and Jersey Shore with 67 K’s and 16 walks - has an 0.89 WHIP.  Promoted to Jersey Shore on 6/16/26 he’s made two starts there (2.40 ERA in 15 IP - 20 K’s, 6 walks). Has an outstanding changeup and a really good slider with a fastball that’s bumped up this season to the mid nineties. Ramon has become a high value asset that would only be used in a high value trade exchange. He’s at 44 IP this season, last year was capped at 55 - this season 80 to 100 IP seems likely. Kid has the tools, approach, moxie and acumen to become a big league starter.

RHP Tanner Gresham - an under the radar performer at 24 years of age in his first pro season after serving our country in the United States Military. Tanner has recorded a 3.00 ERA in 15 appearances (14 starts) covering 57 IP with 63 K’s and 31 walks, he was promoted to Jersey Shore on 6/16/26 from Clearwater and has made three starts there (3.14 ERA in 14.1 IP). Features a four-seam Fastball, two-seam Fastball, Cutter, Slider and Changeup. He knows how to pitch - value as a pitcher on the rise.

Clearwater :

RHP Mathew Fisher - the 20 year old has made four starts with the Threshers after being promoted on 6/15/26 from the FCL Phillies. He’s posted a 3.94 ERA with Clearwater in 16 IP with 16 K’s and 5 walks, in his last two starts Fisher has totaled nine innings with ten strikeouts allowing two runs on four hits. He’s a spin master at present with a big break sweeper/curve that I saw in spring camp - buckled my knees from behind the dish 🤓. Velocity currently sits in the low nineties but given his frame and athleticism that will very likely climb as he adds strength and grows into his body. As an asset he’s a projectable pitcher who has the size, tools and skills to advance high into the system - would be an attractive part of a trade package at present.

LHP Cade Obermueller - 22 year old with a sidewinding release point who’s made 8 starts (23.2 IP) with a 3.80 ERA - will use a low to mid nineties fastball, changeup and slider as repertoire. Good baseball acumen - runs a pitching academy with his dad in the off-season. Another early in his career asset that’s projectable who would be an attractive part of a trade package at present.

RHP Brad Pacheco - 21 year old high velocity hurler who’s made 15 appearances (13 starts) for Clearwater recording a 4.48 ERA in 62.1 IP with 67 K’s and 15 walks - 100 IP seems to be an outlier target. Has now incorporated a split finger into his mix of pitches - it’s a different look to his changeup. Very lively riding fastball that reaches upper nineties and even triple digits at times - developing slider. Young talent who could also be an attractive part of a trade package at present. Has the tools to go high in a system.

C/1B Alirio Ferrebus - 20 year old who has  a large angular frame at 6’2” - reminds me in build of former big leaguer Benito Santiago. He’s had a breakout season offensively posting a stellar .322/.375/.516 slash line and .891 OPS in 288 PA’s with 20 doubles, 10 home runs and 52 RBIs - excellent bat to ball skills - only 38 K’s - aggressive hitter - just 15 walks. Also played winter ball for Adelaide in the ABL. Has the skillset to remain behind the dish as a defender - still work to be done there. Catching is a premium position - Alirio is a high value asset who would require that type of value in trade.

SS Matthew Ferrara (19 yrs old), INF Juan Villavicencio (21 yrs old) and INF Robert Phelps (22 yrs old)  - three middle infielders who’ve shown levels of potential in each of their first seasons of extended playing time. Ferrara doesn’t have great numbers with a .195 batting average in 304 PA’s but he’s shown pop with 14 doubles, 5 triples and 5 home runs putting me in mind of a young developing Trea Turner type, very athletic and rangy at shortstop as well. Villavicencio has had a very solid year posting a .291/.364/.491 slash line and .855 OPS in a career high 255 plate appearances with 14 doubles, 4 triples, 8 home runs and 18 stolen bases - he’s a lefty hitter with pop who’s also a strong defender. Phelps has been an on base machine with a .401 OBP in 289 PA’s with 8 doubles, 6 home runs, 48 walks, 52 K’s and 13 stolen bases. He’s got terrific energy - the type that winning teams need to succeed. All three fall into trade package chips at present if dealt else will continue to climb the rungs with the Phillies as projectable talents.

OF Griffin Burkholder - 20 year old with five tool talent who’s posted a solid .260/.381/.449 slash line and .830 OPS in 237 PA’s with 11 doubles, 8 home runs, 24 RBIs and 13 stolen bases. He’s been healthy this season and has shown he’s got skills to be excited about with the potential to reach the show. In my opinion at present he would be a moderate value trade chip with high potential - could bring back a bench piece or reliever as a lead in a package - he will climb the rungs - my preference would be to see him do that as a Phillie.

OF Victor Cardoza - a twenty year old who’s had a mini breakout campaign posting a combined .321/.382/.431 slash line and .813 OPS in 158 PA’s with the FCL Phillies and Threshers. He’s played 30 games with the Threshers (112 PA’s) with a .309/.387/.381 slash line - reminds me of a combination of Johan Rojas/Raylin Heredia as his comparable talents with attributes of each in his game. Definitely has value in trade as part of a package.

Florida Complex League :

SS Romeli Espinosa - the numbers don’t tell the story for the 18 year old from the Dominican - he’s posted a .199/.294/.280 slash line in 189 PA’s with 4 doubles, 3 triples and a home run but it’s the projection of athleticism where the value is found. He’s a 6’4” middle infielder with a canon arm and tons of growth/education ahead of him. If I were an opposing team scout I’d rate him as a projectable talent with tools that is one who could climb the ladder - just 18 years old with skills.

Dominican Summer League :

They’re only played twenty seven games but it’s a strong group led by teenage outfielder Francisco Renteria and shortstop Juan Parra. Others who’ve established themselves early as assets include UTL Jose Tovar,RHP Justin Burgos,LHP Samuel Ortiz, RHP Yilmar Samudio, C Delvis Velasquez, OF Dayber Cruceta and OF Edwin Ramirez. Last season two DSL players (OF Josueth Quinonez and RHP Geremy Villoria) were swapped in deadline trades.

On the Injured List :

SS Aidan Miller - 22 year old who has the best overall talent in the system. Continues to work daily with the rehab team in Clearwater to alleviate the back issue that’s sidelined him all season to date. When he’s healthy he’s knocking on the door as a major league contributor.

RHP Moises Chase - working his way back from TJ surgery - is now a little over a year removed from his surgery - is also working with the rehab team in Clearwater making steady progress in his individualized throwing program - has a big league power arm and is just 23 years old.

OF Dante Nori - 21 year old center fielder who’s been on the IL since 6/9/26 and is in Clearwater working with the rehab team towards his return. Dante is an excellent defensive center fielder who’s also shown the ability to be a top of the order spark plug. Has the makeup and skill set of a big leaguer - just a matter of returning to good health and getting reps on the field. Definitely has projectable trade value.

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