As the Phillies prepare to break camp on March 23, anticipation is building for their Spring Breakout games on Thursday and Saturday. These matchups will showcase the club's top prospects, giving fans a glimpse of what to expect as Opening Day approaches.
In Clearwater, a few things have been clear from the get-go. Bryson Stott and Alec Bohm have been locked in at the plate, while pitchers Jesús Luzardo and Andrew Painter have impressed with identical 2.31 ERAs over 11 2/3 innings.
Lefty reliever Kyle Backhus, initially flying under the radar, has been untouchable with six scoreless outings. These players are set to be key components of the roster.
As the exhibition games wrap up, several offseason additions and prospects are making strong cases to contribute, whether on the big-league bench or in the upper minors.
OF Bryan De La Cruz
Bryan De La Cruz is turning heads this spring, leading the team with 12 hits. The 29-year-old, in camp on a minor-league deal, is hitting .324 with an impressive 95 mph average exit velocity. With a hard-hit rate over 50 percent, similar to Dylan Moore, De La Cruz is firmly in contention for the final bench spot.
It's worth noting that De La Cruz, the Dominican Winter League MVP, doesn't have an opt-out in his minor league contract until July, giving the Phillies some flexibility. His career averages of .253, 20 home runs, and 71 RBIs over a 162-game stretch suggest he could be a valuable asset with regular playing time.
INF Bryan Rincon
The Phillies' middle infield depth quickly thins after Aidan Miller, but Bryan Rincon is emerging as a promising prospect. Initially seen as a glove-first player, Rincon's bat has been a pleasant surprise.
The 21-year-old switch-hitter boasts an .875 OPS in 21 at-bats, with all three extra-base hits coming off his bat at over 100 mph. His performance in the Arizona Fall League also showcased his raw power.
Though his overall profile (.670 pro OPS entering spring) still raises questions, Rincon's potential is evident. With consistent contact, he could rise through the ranks, likely starting at Double-A while Miller begins at Triple-A.
INF/OF Felix Reyes
Watching Felix Reyes in batting practice is a spectacle in itself, with towering shots over left field. At 24, Reyes might not have a set defensive position yet, but his bat speaks volumes.
He led the Eastern League last season in average, doubles, slugging, and OPS. This spring, he’s continued that form, slashing .303/.324/.606 with three home runs and a team-leading 11 RBIs.
His ability to limit strikeouts and control the zone is promising. With Miller and Keaton Anthony returning, the action at Lehigh Valley will be worth watching.
RHP Taijuan Walker
Taijuan Walker is more of a sure thing than a surprise. However, with Zack Wheeler progressing well, Walker's role remains a topic of discussion.
Last season, manager Rob Thomson considered a six-man rotation, and it's unclear how things will shake out with Painter yet to debut in the majors. Walker's effectiveness is undeniable, though.
Combining his World Baseball Classic performances with his outings in Clearwater, Walker has allowed just one run over 12 1/3 innings this spring. By taking some velocity off his slider, he's achieved great results, with opponents managing just one barrel on 22 batted balls. If Walker can keep the ball down and refine his secondary pitches, he should continue to be a reliable innings-eater.
RHP Seth Johnson
Seth Johnson, a familiar name from past stints with the big-league club, has transitioned into a full-time relief role and quietly impressed in camp. His four-seamer has averaged 98 mph across seven outings, up from just under 96 mph at Triple-A last year.
Johnson complements his fastball with a slider and splitter, thriving when he uses his secondary pitches effectively. With a 2.35 ERA this spring, he was recently optioned to minor league camp, using his final option. His development will be one to watch as the season progresses.