The Philadelphia Phillies selected Bailey Falter in the fifth round of the 2015 MLB Draft and watched the left-hander develop into a dependable arm during his time with the organization. Though his stint in Philadelphia ended several years ago, the former Phillies starter is on the move once again, this time joining one of the club’s National League East rivals.
Just before the MLB trade deadline, the Atlanta Braves acquired Falter in a four-player trade. While outfielder Lane Thomas was the centerpiece of the deal, Falter provides Atlanta with experienced pitching depth as the organization continues reshaping its roster. For Phillies fans, the move also brings back memories of a pitcher who spent several seasons in Philadelphia before continuing his journey elsewhere.
Atlanta Braves Acquire Phillies Left-Hander Before Trade Deadline
The Braves made one of the biggest trades of the pre-deadline period on Saturday, landing two players from the Royals in a deal aimed at strengthening both their major league roster and organizational depth.
“Thomas and left-handed pitcher Bailey Falter were acquired from the Royals in exchange for Minor League right-hander Lucas Braun, who had been the Braves’ No. 8 prospect, and left-hander Carter Holton on Saturday night,” Mark Bowman wrote for MLB.com. “Falter will simply provide organizational depth when he joins Triple-A Gwinnett’s pitching staff Tuesday. Thomas, who will join Atlanta’s roster Tuesday, was the centerpiece of this trade.”
Although Falter is expected to begin his Braves tenure in Triple-A, the acquisition gives Atlanta another pitcher with extensive major league experience, including several years spent with one of the Braves’ fiercest division rivals.
Former Phillies Pitcher Begins New Chapter With Braves
While Falter has suited up for multiple organizations since leaving Philadelphia, his most successful major league season still came with the Phillies.
“The 29-year-old Falter, who spent time on the IL this season with left elbow inflammation and was designated for assignment by the Royals in late May, has posted a 13.97 ERA in five outings (two starts) this season,” Bowman added. “His best season came with the Phillies in 2022, when he posted a 3.86 ERA over 20 games (16 starts).”
After departing Philadelphia, Falter spent time with the Pittsburgh Pirates before joining the Royals earlier this season. However, much of his professional development came within the Phillies organization.
“A fifth-round pick of the Philadelphia Phillies in 2015, Falter is 25-32 with a 4.77 ERA in 119 games (85 starts) with the Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates and Royals in six seasons,” as the Jefferson City News Tribune noted.
Prior to the trade, Falter had been pitching primarily for Triple-A Omaha, where he quietly showed encouraging form by allowing just three earned runs over his previous 14 innings.
Whether he eventually earns a spot on Atlanta’s major league roster remains uncertain. What is clear is that after beginning his big league career in Philadelphia, Falter is back in the NL East, this time wearing a Braves uniform and facing the organization where he first established himself in the majors.