Philly Leader

The Philadelphia Phillies are focusing on the future as they evaluate their top prospects for the 2025 season. The team is spotlighting several young players who have shown promise this year.

Right-handed pitcher Eiberson Castellano, 23, has been recognized as the Phillies' Minor League Pitcher of the Year with the Paul Owens Award. Despite not being ranked among the Phillies’ Top 30 prospects by MLB Pipeline, Castellano made a strong impression with a combined record of 6-5 and a 3.99 ERA across Class A Jersey Shore and Double-A Reading. Phillies Minor League pitching coordinator Travis Hergert praised Castellano's physical presence and movement: “He is massive,” said Hergert. “You stand next to him and he’s all of [6-foot-6]. A very big frame. But he moves really, really well inside of that frame. He’s got big stuff.”

Moisés Chace, another right-handed pitcher and the Phillies' No. 26 prospect, joined the organization following a trade with Baltimore Orioles in July. Chace recorded a 5-4 record with a 3.59 ERA over his time in Class A and Double-A play between Baltimore and Philadelphia. Scouts have noted his composure despite his young age of 21, as highlighted by Hergert: “Moisés is very poised for how young he is,” he stated.

Left-handed pitcher Mavis Graves has also caught attention after improving significantly since last year’s struggles in Rookie ball. Drafted in the sixth round of the 2022 Draft, Graves posted a record of 7-6 with a 3.64 ERA at Class A Clearwater this year.

Shortstop Starlyn Caba, only 18 years old, stands out as one of the top defensive shortstops in Minor Leagues according to talent evaluators. Though Caba faced challenges at Clearwater after being promoted from Rookie ball, his overall potential remains high.

Catcher Eduardo Tait, another youthful prospect at just turned 18 years old, demonstrated his hitting capabilities with a .269 average following his promotion to Clearwater.

Looking ahead to next season, there are questions about when some top prospects will join the major league roster. Andrew Painter, recovering from Tommy John surgery, might make an appearance in '25 according to Dave Dombrowski, president of baseball operations for the Phillies: “I do think he’ll be pitching at the big league level at some point in '25,” Dombrowski remarked.

Dombrowski also suggested that center fielder Justin Crawford could see a midseason promotion while shortstop Aidan Miller might surprise fans with an early performance next year.