The Philadelphia Phillies continue to strengthen their organizational depth as they prepare for what is expected to be an active stretch ahead of the August 3 MLB trade deadline.
While much of the attention remains focused on potential major league additions, Philadelphia quietly made a move to bolster its farm system on June 16. According to MLB transaction records, the Phillies have signed utility infielder to a minor-league contract and assigned him to the Double-A Reading Fightin Phils.
Riley Tirotta became available after the Toronto Blue Jays unexpectedly released him on June 9. The 27-year-old was originally selected by Toronto in the 12th round of the 2021 MLB Draft and steadily worked his way through the organization thanks to his versatility and ability to play multiple positions.
The former Blue Jays prospect enjoyed a productive 2025 campaign with Triple-A Buffalo, batting .268 with 12 home runs and 60 RBIs. His strong performance earned him an invitation to major league spring training and fueled expectations that a big league promotion could eventually be on the horizon.
However, his offensive production dipped significantly this season. Tirotta hit just .193 while recording seven home runs and 23 RBIs, and he also struck out 60 times, leading Toronto to part ways with him.
The Phillies moved quickly to bring him into the organization. Capable of playing first base, third base, and corner outfield positions, Tirotta provides valuable defensive flexibility. Although he will begin his Phillies tenure at Double-A, a strong showing could earn him a promotion to Triple-A and potentially place him back on the radar for a major league opportunity.
Tirotta Once Appeared Close to MLB Debut
Toronto’s decision to release Tirotta came as a surprise considering he had recently been viewed as a legitimate call-up candidate.
Earlier this season, Sportsnet reporter Ben Nicholson-Smith included Tirotta among several players who could potentially fill in for the injured George Springer.
“When it comes to replacing George Springer, the Blue Jays’ AAA position players include: Eloy Jiménez (R) Yohendrick Pinango (L) Jonatan Clase (S) Riley Tirotta (R) Charles McAdoo (R) RJ Schreck (L) Josh Kasevich (R). Only Clase is on the 40-man, but Jays have an open spot,” Nicholson-Smith wrote on X.
Just a few months after being mentioned as a possible major league replacement, Tirotta found himself released and searching for a new opportunity. Now, he will attempt to revive his path to the majors within the Phillies organization.
Phillies Monitoring Trea Turner Injury
The signing also comes shortly after Philadelphia dealt with an injury scare involving star shortstop Trea Turner.
Turner exited Monday’s game after being struck by a pitch and was absent from Tuesday’s lineup. Fortunately for Philadelphia, interim manager Don Mattingly indicated that the injury does not appear serious.
“It looks like he’s going to be sore, so we’ll see,” Mattingly said. “See where that goes tomorrow. … Not really. Not at this point. I mean, if it gets to that point, then you consider anything that’s going to help us win. … Trea’s a big piece of what we are [and] what we’re going to be. If we’re going to be really successful, we’re going to need Trea.”
Philadelphia enters the next phase of the season with a 39-33 record and currently holds the second National League Wild Card position.