The Philadelphia Phillies have added a new face to their organization, signing former Northwestern catcher as an undrafted free agent. Top star, a steady presence behind the plate and a consistent contributor at the plate during his college career, now gets his shot at the pros with one of Major League Baseball’s premier franchises.
He capped off his senior season in style, starting all 52 games for the Wildcats — including 48 as the team’s primary catcher. He hit .266 on the year with a .783 OPS and led the team with two triples, showcasing his mix of discipline and athleticism. While his senior numbers were solid, it was his breakout junior campaign in 2024 that truly put him on the radar. That year, he led Northwestern in nearly every major offensive category, including batting average (.337), OPS (.903), on-base percentage (.408), total hits (68), and multi-hit games (20).
Hailing from Tarzana, California, Markinson became a cornerstone of the Wildcats lineup over the last three seasons. From his sophomore year through the end of his college career, he started an impressive 124 consecutive games — a testament to both his durability and value to the program. His consistency and leadership behind the plate were defining traits of his time in Evanston.
Now, Markinson brings that same work ethic and competitive spirit to the Phillies organization, where he’ll look to climb the ranks and continue his baseball journey. For a player who went undrafted, this opportunity represents more than just a second chance — it’s the next step in a career defined by resilience, growth, and unwavering commitment. Phillies fans, take note — Bennett Markinson is one to watch.