The Phillies announced the release of left-handed pitcher Gabriel Cotto on January 16, 2024. 

Cotto was drafted by the Phillies in the seventh round of the 2018 draft out of the Puerto Rico Baseball Academy (a high school) in Puerto Rico. He was the 197th overall pick.

I guess I understand the release.  In 6 years, 5 seasons (2020 lost to COVID), Cotto had only progressed to High-A Jersey Shore.  He had a career 13-17 record in 70 appearances, 51 starts.  His best season was in 2021 when he posted a 3.11 ERA between the GCL and FSL.  His best stop (other than a 0.00 ERA in the GCL in 2021) was his 2.78 ERA in Clearwater last season.

Cotto posted a 2-5 record and 6.15 ERA in 14 appearances, 11 starts in Jersey Shore to close out the 2024 season.

In 236.1 career innings, Cotto posted a 4.95 ERA with 143 walks (5.4 BB9) and 229 strikeouts (8.7 K9).  He threw a below 90s fastball (85-89, t90 mph), cutter, changeup, and slider.

I’m sure we all wish him well in his future baseball endeavors.