SPORTZONE27

Otto Kemp isn’t the only rising talent in the Phillies’ system earning a promotion. The Double-A Reading Fightin Phils just added another promising piece to their infield with the call-up of former fourth-round draft pick Carson DeMartini.

On Sunday, MiLB Central’s Chase Ford reported that the Phillies were moving DeMartini up from High-A Jersey Shore to Reading, marking a key step forward in his development. The team officially confirmed the news on Monday.

Carson DeMartini’s Breakout Year Rolls Into Double-A

Drafted out of Virginia Tech last summer, the 22-year-old infielder has impressed early in his professional career. Across 77 games spanning Single-A Clearwater last season and Jersey Shore this year, DeMartini posted a .294 average with 10 home runs, 39 RBIs, and 26 stolen bases.

While his batting average has taken a slight dip in 2025, his improved power numbers and sharper plate discipline have boosted his overall production. He slashed .284/.402/.474 in 53 games at High-A, with eight home runs—including two in his final game before promotion. He also tallied 31 walks in 190 at-bats, a significant jump from just nine walks in 92 at-bats last season.

Versatile and Developing

Though DeMartini’s defense still needs refinement, his versatility has been a plus. He’s logged meaningful innings at second base, shortstop, and third base—experience that could be vital as he climbs the organizational ladder. With the futures of Alec Bohm and Bryson Stott uncertain and Trea Turner locked in at shortstop, DeMartini’s flexibility could prove valuable.

Currently ranked as the Phillies’ No. 15 prospect by MLB Pipeline, DeMartini is quickly making a name for himself. He got off to a solid start with Reading, going 2-for-4 with a walk and two stolen bases in his debut.

Otto Kemp is not the only rising star in the Philadelphia Phillies organization making waves with a new promotion. At the Double-A level, the Reading Fightin Phils recently added some firepower to their middle infield with the promotion of highly touted former fourth-round pick Carson DeMartini.

On Sunday, Chase Ford of MiLB Central broke the news that the Phillies were promoting infielder DeMartini from the High-A Jersey Shore Blue Claws to join the Fightin Phils, a big step in his development process in what has been a strong sophomore season so far. The Phillies confirmed the promotion on Monday.

 

Carson DeMartini will look to continue breakout season in Double-A following promotion

DeMartini was drafted in the fourth round by the Phillies last summer out of Virginia Tech, and has made a big impression so far at the plate. In 77 games between Single-A Clearwater last year and Jersey Shore this year, the 22-year-old hit a combined .294 with 10 home runs, 39 RBIs and 26 stolen bases.

Although his batting average has dipped so far this year, increased power and refined plate discipline have elevated his on-base and slugging percentages. DeMartini slashed .284/.402/.474 in High-A with eight home runs through 53 games, including two in his final appearance with Jersey Shore. As far as his plate discipline, he had 31 walks in 190 at-bats, which is a big improvement from 2024 when he had just nine walks in 92 at-bats.

Defensively, DeMartini could use some work, but he has provided the team with flexibility as he has taken significant reps at second base, shortstop and third base. This will be especially important as he continues to rise the ranks of the organization, with the long-term futures of Alec Bohm and Bryson Stott in question and Trea Turner seemingly penciled in at the shortstop position for years to come.

As it stands, DeMartini is ranked as the No. 15 prospect in the Phillies organization by MLB Pipeline, a testament to his dominant performance so far. He got off to a good start, going 2-for-4 with a walk and two steals in his first game in his new uniform.

 

At just 22, DeMartini likely won’t see the majors for a few years, but his emergence adds depth and intrigue to the Phillies’ farm system. For now, Reading fans get a front-row seat to one of the organization’s fastest-rising prospects—and if his current pace holds, he may soon be a key figure in the club’s long-term plans.