As we head into week nineteen of the minor league season the Phillies have announced five new promotions with the players taking the field with their new clubs this week. I am very happy for the following young men and their families and friends.
OF Cade Fergus - promoted from Clearwater to Jersey Shore
The 22 year old (13th round draft selection - 2022 draft - George Washington University) had plenty of clutch hits for the Florida State League first half champion Threshers. He played in 74 games this year for Clearwater posting a .356 OBP in 261 plate appearances with 14 doubles, 2 triples, 12 home runs and 47 RBIs. Cade hit a grand slam home run on July 2nd against Bradenton (he also hit a grand slam in Grapefruit League play for the Phillies) and seemingly always produced in pressure spots. He’s also a very good defender in the outfield and a clubhouse leader.
IF Nick Ward - promoted from Jersey Shore to Reading
It’s been a whirlwind nine months for the 27 year old native of Kennett Square, PA. After playing independent baseball last summer in the Frontier League he joined the Adelaide Giants in November and was a lineup regular for the 2022 Australian Baseball League Champions and garnered strong consideration for league MVP. While playing in Australia he was offered and signed a minor league contract with the team he grew up rooting for, the Phillies! During the spring he not only made his debut in a Phillies jersey but also played for Team England in the World Baseball Classic. Coming out of spring camp Nick was assigned to High A Jersey Shore and has been a BlueClaws lineup regular posting a .270 batting average, 8 doubles, 8 home runs and 50 RBIs in 393 plate appearances. He leaves Jersey Shore second in the South Atlantic League in runs scored (70) and fifth in OBP (.392). The whirlwind continues, good stuff!
C Arturo DeFreitas - promoted from Jersey Shore to Reading
Arguably one of the best defensive catchers in the organization with smooth mechanics and a rocket arm the 22 year old from Maracay, Venezuela who was signed as an international free agent on 3/18/18 moves up another notch. He also played winter ball this past season for Adelaide in Australia but had that season cut short due to injury. Arturo is a popular teammate and positive team influence as well.
OF Matt Kroon - promoted from Reading to Lehigh Valley
The 26 year old was drafted twice by the Phillies, initially taken in the 30th round of the 2017 draft from Central Arizona College he decided to not sign and instead enrolled at Oklahoma State. The Phillies then selected him in the 18th round of the 2018 draft. Last season was a lost one for Matt as he suffered a knee injury in the second game of the season with Reading which required surgical repair and cost him the balance of the year. We saw him at the Complex during his rehab last summer, he worked diligently to get back to active play. This spring he broke camp as Reading’s primary third baseman while also seeing time in all three outfield positions. He has posted 24 doubles, 2 triples, 8 home runs and 44 RBIs in 344 plate appearances this season and stolen 22 bases. His .319 batting average is second in the Eastern League as are his 24 doubles while his 95 base hits are third in the loop and his .387 OBP is fifth best. I’d say he came back from injury very well 👀.
C Max McDowell - promoted from Reading to Lehigh Valley
Signed on 12/10/22 as a minor league free agent the 29 year old came to the Phillies from the New York Yankees organization with whom he had spent the previous two seasons. I remember meeting his dad in spring training in front of the complex where Max was scheduled to catch a live bullpen session, Mr. McDowell wasn’t sure what field he would be on and we were able to help him find his way to Roberts field to watch his son. In the spring sessions and Grapefruit League games we watched it was evident Max has strong defensive skills. He will be returning to the AAA level and the International League, he played for Scranton Wilkes Barre during the 2022 season.
Congrats to all five young men.
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.