CLEARWATER, Fla. - Zach McCambley is soaking up every moment with the Phillies this spring. Out on the field at the Carpenter Complex, he’s been working alongside the big-league pitchers, sporting the team’s red and white with his trusty tan Rawlings glove.
But McCambley’s time in Phillies gear might be short-lived. As a Rule 5 draft pick from the Miami Marlins, he faces a unique challenge: he must stay on the Phillies’ major league roster all season or be offered back to Miami. It’s a high-stakes situation as spring training winds down.
“I try not to put too much thought into it,” McCambley shared. “I’m in a unique spot, but I can only control what I can control. That’s been my mindset this camp.”
Drafted by Miami in 2020, McCambley has shown promise, posting a 2.90 ERA across 47 minor-league games last year. The Phillies saw potential in him as a right-handed bullpen option, and his 1.23 ERA in spring training has been impressive. However, control has been an issue, with six walks and a hit batter.
“I don’t really worry too much about that,” McCambley said. “I’ve had some good outings and some struggles, but that’s baseball, right?”
The 26-year-old is doing his best to stay focused amidst the uncertainty. Competing for a major league spot is pressure enough without the added Rule 5 implications.
Growing up in the Pocono Mountains, McCambley is thrilled to be part of a Pennsylvania team. His locker neighbors, Tim Mayza and Brad Keller, bring valuable experience, and the clubhouse is filled with All-Stars.
“The locker room speaks for itself,” McCambley noted. “There are guys here with years of experience. I’m grateful for the opportunity and have enjoyed my time learning from some legends.”
As the Phillies finalize their Opening Day roster, McCambley faces stiff competition. Jonathan Bowlan and Kyle Backhus appear to have bullpen spots locked, leaving McCambley vying for a remaining spot alongside Zach Pop and others.
“At the start of camp, I said we’re going to have some tough decisions,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson stated about the bullpen. Those decisions are still in play.
McCambley is the Phillies’ first Rule 5 pick in camp since 2023, and the team hasn’t carried one on the roster since 2016. Whether McCambley breaks that streak depends on the Phillies’ final roster moves.
If he doesn’t make the roster and no trade materializes, McCambley could be designated for assignment and potentially return to the Marlins. But regardless of what happens, he’s grateful for the chance the Phillies have given him.
“Wherever I go, this is a top-class organization,” McCambley said. “I’ll take what I’ve learned here and build on it wherever I end up.”