Read about potential starting pitchers HERE
This list was a bit longer than I anticipated. Infield is a position group may be a place that the Phillies need to cull the herd a bit. And, it may happen quite naturally as 40-man decisions get made along the way for players who no longer have option years available. These are the names to know as you watch spring training and try to predict the 2024 IronPigs Opening Night roster:
40-Man Roster Members
C Rafael Marchan: Marchan is one that may have an option/waiver issue to come back to the Lehigh Valley. If Realmuto and Stubbs are healthy then they may need to try to sneak him through waivers or move on.
SS Rodolfo Castro: The utility infielder came over from the Pirates in exchange for LHP Bailey Falter. He may be out of options and his bat likely won’t win him a spot on the Phillies. He could end up on the IronPigs. He is a switch-hitter, which works in his favor.
1B Kody Clemens: Listed as 1B, but Kody can play around the diamond. It does appear he has an option, and I’d expect him to find his way to the IronPigs to open the season.
1B Darrick Hall: The power-hitting 1B/DH should be back in Allentown this season. The big left-handed bat will be available for the Phillies if needed.
3B Weston Wilson: It was great to see the veteran infielder make it to the big leagues last season. He has options so he’ll be back as long as the Phillies don’t need his 40-man spot for another player. Look for him at shortstop most nights.
Non-Roster Invitees
C Aramis Garcia: The big backstop returns. He has big league experience in four different seasons. At this juncture, we expect him to be the primary catcher for the IronPigs.
C Cody Roberts: The Phillies grabbed Roberts on waivers from the Orioles system. He spent all of last season with AA Reading and may be Garcia’s catching partner in Allentown this summer. He hit .214/.277/.349 over 72 games last season.
1B Carlos De La Cruz: DLC now listed with the infielders since moving to 1B last season. He did a reasonable job in the outfield but presents a big target at 1B. He can hit it a long way from the right side, but his swing has some holes, down to his 6’10” frame. He hit .259/.344/.454 over 129 games in Reading last season, striking out 160 times over 54 walks. He might be on the bubble between AA and AAA but the MLB invite is a good sign. He’ll be a fun one to look for during the spring games.
SS Scott Kingery: Jetpax is back! The Phillies bought out his contract and he returns on a minor league deal going back to his initial signing. He’s listed as a shortstop but look for him at second base and in center field as well. He played in 117 games last season for the IronPigs and slashed .244/.325/.400 with 13 HR, 135 K’s, 48 BB and 24 stolen bases on 25 attempts. He’ll turn 30 in April and can still be an exciting player to watch if he can keep his swing level and get on base.
3B Matt Kroon: After missing almost the entire 2022 season due to injury, Kroon had a nice season last year between AA Reading and the IronPigs. But the injury bug bit again after a couple good weeks at Triple-A. He spent nearly half of his time last season in the three outfield positions, but he profiles as 3B/LF going forward, probably. Unless he has a bad spring and gets caught in a numbers game, he should be on the IronPigs opening day roster.
1B Nick Podkul: Nick re-signed with the Phillies organization, on a minors deal, following quite a successful 2023 season which ended abruptly on a horrific HBP incident. Reports are that he’s healthy and ready to go. While listed as 1B, he played quite a bit of 3B at Reading last season.
1B William Simoneit: Now listed at first, Simoneit came up as a catcher it appears. He was chosen by the Phillies in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft. He spent all of last season with AA Midland, but does have some AAA experience from 2022. I think he may be headed for Reading if they wanna see what De La Cruz can do at Triple-A.
Minor League Roster
The following guys are currently listed on the IronPigs roster, but this time of year that can happen for rule 5 protection and other administrative reasons.
C Luis Caicuto: He’s a rookie-league guy taken in the minor league Rule 5. He may land in Clearwater.
C Carson Taylor: Another rule 5 minors guy, he spent the past two seasons with AA Tulsa. He’s likely on the bubble with Reading and the IronPigs. He’s a lefty bat, which is interesting.
1B Bryce Ball: A big lefty bat that was also a rule 5 choice. He split last season between A+ and AA and is likely headed for Reading or Jersey Shore.
2B Esteban Quiroz: The Pony is back! He’s listed at 2B which is where he profiles as a majors guy, but will play all over the diamond other that 1B. He’s a fun player to watch further than what his numbers may tell you.
SS Trevor Schwecke: Another Rule-5 choice, Trevor spent last season bouncing between AA New Hampshire and AAA Buffalo. I suspect he’s headed to Reading. He’ll play most positions around the diamond.
SS Kendall Simmons: Simmons was originally the Phillies’ sixth round draft pick in 2018. Last year was the first time his bat really took off. He’s listed as a shortstop but has been playing mainly 2B lately. I think he’ll be in Reading and is listed here to keep other teams away from him in the Rule 5.
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As usual, please chime in using the comments if you think I missed someone–I usually do.
Next Up: Outfielders
@Kram207
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