Let’s Talk about Our Minors

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Let’s talk about the minors.  I’ll start.

Please confine Phillies’ discussion to the other article.

I don’t know if you are aware that there are player limits in the minor leagues.  During the season, the limit is (was) 180 players on the stateside rosters (AAA, AA, A+, A, Complex).  The number is (was) 190 during the offseason.

During the season, MLB hinted that the new limits were coming.  Without any fanfare, MLB lowered the limits by 15 players to 165 during the season and 175 during the offseason.  I don’t know if the 175 is in play right now or is grandfathered in for next offseason.  But, the Phillies currently have 166 players plus 2 on the restricted list on the stateside rosters.

These limits will probably keep a few prospects in the Dominican Summer League (again) this season – prospects who would normally get to start their stateside apprenticeship in spring training.  The new rules require that any DSL player who attends stateside spring training cannot be returned to the DSL.  If a team does bring a DSL player over for spring training, that player has to be added to a stateside roster.

In fact, if a DSL player is brought over for medical attention and rehab, he has to be added to a stateside roster and placed on the 60-day IL or the Full Season IL.  He won’t count against the stateside limit.

The Phillies lost 4 pitchers to the minor league portion of the Rule 5 Draft (LHP Rafael Marcano and Keylan Kilgore and RHP Carlos Betancourt and Blake Brown) and added 5 new players, 3 catchers (Carson Taylor, Luis Caicuto, and William Simoneit), a first baseman (Bryce Ball), and a shortstop (Trevor Schweke).  These 5 players brought the player count at Lehigh Valley to 38 players.  The players who were protected from the Minor League Rule 5 Draft were not made public.  However, a mistake was made, and Kendall Simmons‘ transaction made it onto the transaction list.

Oh, by the way, there must have been some confusion over Scott Kingery’s status after the option was declined.  I saw a November 3rd transaction in which SS Scott Kingery elected free agency.  Mistakes happen.  See Kendall Simmons above.

The Phillies signed 4 international free agents as we approach the end of the signing period this Friday (12/15).  Oh, the DSL squads are limited to 35 active players each.  The latest CBA ended the future services contracts that teams used to swell their numbers in the DSL.  The new guys are – SS Denilson Aguila a 17-year-old from Cuba who has been in the US since 2021, and 3 RHP Joshue De La Cruz, Eligio Arias, and Hanfermin Vargas.

They also finally activated RHP Jousten Venegas who signed on 8/23/2023.

The Phillies have also signed a couple of RHP who were assigned to Lehigh Valley before the Rule 5 Draft – Nick Snyder (2-year contract, I think) and Jose Ruiz.

A second high-performance camp will be held in January and February along the same guidelines as the other HPCs.  Phantasy Camp will probably interfere with this timeline.  The camp ends about a week before spring training report dates.

Note that teams cannot hold any group workouts or training camps from the Saturday before Thanksgiving through January 1st.

And, finally, the Phillies lost about 13 starting pitchers since the end of the season either traded, free agency, or released.  That leaves them about 18 by my count, only 6 of whom pitched more than 100 innings – Mick Abel, Nick Nelson, David Parkinson, Tyler Philips, Matt Osterberg, and Noah Skirrow.   So, right now these would be our SP depth.

Transactions

December 2023
12/06/2023 – Sugar Land Space Cowboys drafted RHP Carlos Betancourt
12/06/2023 – St. Paul Saints drafted LHP Rafael Marcano
12/06/2023 – Lehigh Valley drafted C Carson Taylor from the Dodger
12/06/2023 – Lehigh Valley drafted C Luis Caicuto from Arizona
12/06/2023 – Lehigh Valley drafted C William Simoneit from Oakland
12/06/2023 – Lehigh Valley drafted 1B Bryce Ball from Cleveland
12/06/2023 – Lehigh Valley drafted SS Trevor Schwecke from Toronto
12/06/2023 – Durham Bulls drafted RHP Blake Brown
12/06/2023 – Omaha Storm Chasers drafted LHP Keylan Killgore
12/06/2023 – Phillies signed IFA SS Denilson Aguila (Cuba) to a minor league contract
12/05/2023 – Phillies signed IFA RHP Joshue De La Cruz to a minor league contract
12/04/2023 – RHP Nick Snyder assigned to Lehigh Valley
12/04/2023 – Phillies signed free agent RHP Nick Snyder to a minor league contract
12/02/2023 – RHP Jousten Venegas assigned to DSL Phillies Red
12/02/2023 – Phillies signed IFA RHP Eligio Arias to a minor league contract
12/02/2023 – Phillies signed IFA RHP Hanfermin Vargas to a minor league contract

November 2023
11/28/2023 – RHP José Ruiz assigned to Lehigh Valley
11/28/2023 – Phillies signed free agent RHP José Ruiz to a minor league contract

51 thoughts on “Let’s Talk about Our Minors”

  1. Wow, we needed starting pitching depth before and now we lost 13 more. Is this true with all teams? What is the future for starting pitching?

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    1. The loss of starting pitchers is not as bleak as it sounds. Some of them occurred in the season like Nick Allgeyer (4 starts), James McArthur (3), and Ethan Lindow (3). Some were mid-season trades or releases like Bailey Falter (12), Adam Leverett (8 and 27 relief appearances), Victor Vargas (9). Most came at the end of the season like TJ Zeuch (15), Josh Hendrickson (21), Zach Haake (14), Drew Hutchinson (15), Shaun Anderson (11), and Michael Plassmeyer (17). And one came during the R5 Draft Rafael Marcano (20).

      All but Marcano pitched at AA and/or AAA last season. As much as I miss Falter and Lindow and will miss Marcano and Vargas, none of these guys is irreplaceable. Promotions, AAA and AAAA signings, and bullpen games will get them through the season.

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    2. As for the future of starting pitching, after Mick Abel, Nick Nelson, David Parkinson, Tyler Philips, Matt Osterberg, and Noah Skirrow we have a group of young guys like Chris McGowan, Alex McFarlane, Griff McGarry, Jean Cabrera, Starlyn Castillo, Jonathan Petit, Estibenzon Jimenez, Mitch Neunborn, Samuel Aldegheri, Marvis Graves, Gunner Mayer, Oswald Medina, Daniel Mejia, Jordan Fowler. Plus some kids in the DSL. Plus a half-dozen or more guys who didn’t throw last season.

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      1. Thanks Jim for a little more “tummy comfort” regarding starting pitching.
        I was watching highlights from the 1959 World Series last night and pitching decisions were tight back then. Early Wynn was 39 and the WSox pitched him on 2 days rest in game 6 and he hit clobbered. Larry Sherry pitched in 4 games for extended innings for the Dodgers. Dick Donavan started and relieved for WSox. Short staffs used, bulk relievers and pitchers started and relieved.

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  2. “……… Mick Abel, Nick Nelson, David Parkinson, Tyler Philips, Matt Osterberg, and Noah Skirrow. So, right now these would be our SP depth.”……..maybe McGarry will evolve this year as a reliable starter, well at least break 90 innings pitched.

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    1. McGarry is McScary. He has significant upside, but he completely imploded at the end of last year – like a full blow Rick Ankiel style meltdown. Is it a blip? Is it Steve Blass disease? Who knows? But you certainly can’t count on him for anything right now.

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        1. If I were the Phillies….I would start to have McGarry come out of the pen…….his two or three best pitches and let him rip.
          His age is now working against as a starter…has yet to break 87 innings pitched in a season
          Sometimes it works..Seranthony did well in the conversion.
          But of course does not always work out….did not work out for Morales last year…..but DBacks will try to get him turned around.
          McGarry and Kerkering could be a dynamic duo out of the pen.

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      2. Catch, McGarry has been at Cressy in Miami. I understand he has completely reworked his delivery and that his command is improved. I can’t wait to see how much improved he is, if the changes are repeatable, if he reverts to old habits when he runs into a bad stretch, and if the changes decrease his velocity or diminish his stuff.

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  3. Looking at the Phil’s top 30, projected 2024 prospects –

    Tommy McCollum has a 60 FB, 94-97 … is developing a splitter for an out pitch. What is everyone’s thoughts on him making the jump to the pen this year?

    For LF…. Is Carlos De La Cruz got a shot? Good numbers at Reading, plus we have Wilson from last year. I know a lot of us want to add a LF, but I’d be okay allocating whatever is left in the budget for a top tier BP arm. The way Topper manages, he needs like 3 closers 🙂

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    1. DeLaCruz has no shot at starting the season in Philly. He’ll go to LHV and try to cut down on his strike outs while also trying to prove his Reading season was not a fluke. He’s a very tall guy with a long swing but with real power so who knows.
      I expect the Phil’s to sign a bat for their LF/Bench spot but they can’t promise full time at bats so it will not be a top bat who hopes to start all year.

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    2. Have you seen McCollum’s walk rates? His career walk rate is 6.5. He needs to get that into the low 4s minimum.

      Hopefully CDL starts the year at Lehigh but he’s only getting a shot if there are injuries. And as much as we all like to think that CDL has value, he doesn’t.

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  4. Phillies, per FanNation – sign 17 SS Denilson Aguila … say he has “superstar” potential m.

    I let you guys praise or throw tomatoes at that relayed statement

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    1. Listed as 5′ 11″…165 lbs….seems about right for how they like to sign them….one exception….he is Cuban.

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    2. But from another source:
      “With a frame greater than six feet and 180 pounds already at just the young age of 17, he has the potential to become a power bat as well when his body fills out with muscle and strength over time.”

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      1. His swing looked smooth, easy going. Will see. He was in FL, maybe Jim has seen him. Will see.

        Im still scratching my head that the Phils farm system was ranked 23rd in the MLB …. This is basically the best I’ve seen it lol

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        1. Phillies do need some Latin kid to burst out on the scene towards stardom….I think it is their turn.
          Yes a bit surprising, ranked 23rd and I also assume will climb with Crawford and Miller getting more development…..plus technically…..Kerkering is still a prospect with only 3 innings pitched regular season, so he may boost the overall rankings..

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  6. Who could be our big step up players in 2024? There’s always a few that take big steps forward. Who will it be?

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    1. As for Latin players…Eduardo Tait would be my guess, so far.
      And that would be based on his performance at such a young age against older pitchers.

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        1. Pan is definitely one of my favorites in the system to be special at the MLB level.

          At 6′ 3″ and 220 LBs for a 21 y/o out of Taiwan.

          Pan’s CLW WHIP was .87 with 81 Ks in 57.2 IP. His 6 IP in LKW after his promotion didn’t go quite as well but hey it was just 6 IP.

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          1. Bryan Rincon is another guy who could jump up this list. His stats have been only fair so far but the Phils really like this 19 yr old SS, pushing him to Jersey late season.

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            1. Yes Rincon could be another…..maybe gets to Reading by the end of the year. Seems like there are quite a few to dream on….Boyd, Viars maybe….the LHB kid from Australia with a three hyphenated name, who was out all last season.
              It would be great if they all hit it off together.

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            2. Rincon is going into his age 20 season. Let’s forget about whether he gets up to Reading this season – it’s not particularly likely (although it’s possible), nor is it all that important. The important thing is that he continues to develop. There are serious encouraging signs for Rincon, especially for a 14th round pick (great scouting!) – here’s a quote from the MLB site about him and they seriously underplay his plate discipline. He has superb plate discipline, high contacts rates and low strikeout rates – combine that with a little pop and suddenly you have a very valuable prospect.

              “While Rincon might not show up on any Florida State League offensive leaderboards this season, the switch-hitting infielder is doing a lot of things well. It starts with a contact-oriented advanced approach and natural timing in the box. He draws walks and rarely strikes out, with his whiff rate decreasing as the season has gone on. It’s hit-over-power, but he’s added strength since signing and has increased his hard-hit rate and registered some impressive exit velocities. He’s been a better overall hitter from the right side, but has shown he can get to some over-the-fence pop left-handed.”

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    2. I’m looking at Rincones Jr having a big year and entering the top 100 at the tail end of next season.

      I’m expecting Christian McGowan to stay relatively healthy and pitch 75+ innings and be a viable depth piece at Lehigh eventually.

      If Pan gets stretched out, I’m expecting him to dominate and end the year at Reading at the minimum.

      Still very early, but hoping that Tait/Heredia are the real deals.

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  9. MLL – 1-Painter ; 2- Crawford ; 3- Abel ; 4- A Miller ; 5-S Caba ; 6- Kerkering
    7-Bryan Rincon SS ; 8-Bergolla ; 9- E Tait ; 10- Gabriel Rincon OF.

    Per BASEBALL AMERICA

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    1. Dang…BA taking leaps and bounds on Caba and Rincon…..unless they consider the system overall just poor.

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      1. Just confirms that we are doing a better job lately with prospects, but most of our best are still very young and have not gotten to the upper levels yet. Hopefully, the next year or 2 will see our Pharm system rise into the upper echelons.

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    4. Eduardo Tait could end up being the best of all of them (with, perhaps, the exception of Painter). In his 16 season (yes, 16!), he put up a combined .917 OPS in the Dominican summer league. For hitting prospects, age is an enormous factor – those numbers are astonishing and could point to him becoming a future star.

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      1. Couldn’t agree more- especially if he can stick behind the plate. The power that he displayed, for a 16 y.o., is impressive. Hope to see him stateside this spring despite it being only his age 17 season.

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  12. Just read that there is going to be a “Spring Breakout” where teams play their top prospects against other teams, Phillies play the Tigers. Todd Zolecki’s predicted lineup.
    1. Justin Crawford CF
    2. Aiden Miller 3B
    3. Carlos De La Cruz LF
    4. Gabriel Rincones Jr. RF
    5. Eduardo Tait C
    6. Devin Saltiban DH
    7. Emaarion Boyd LF
    8. Bryan Rincon 2B
    9. Starlyn Caba SS
    Mick Abel SP
    Zolecki said Tait is one of the most asked about prospects and Caba gets Lindor comps. This would be a fun game to watch, March 16, Lakeland, Fl.

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    1. Finally something to dream about…glad MLB is hyping the game more with this innovative venue for them ….I am sure the big league MLB players will watch these kids compete against each other.
      NHL has been doing it for decades.

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      1. Yeah…..more than likely, and we all know Carlos DLC will man the position.
        Maybe Todd Zo does not realize he has played first base in the minors..

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      2. Oops my bad, Zolecki has De La Cruz at 1B. Phillies are also very high on Saltiban, looks like some fun players to follow this season.

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