The Philadelphia Phillies have officially cut ties with a once-intriguing bullpen arm, bringing an end to an experiment that never produced the desired results. After a disappointing 2025 season at the Triple-A level, the right-hander elected free agency and has since departed the organization, signing a minor-league deal with the Boston Red Sox that includes an invitation to spring training.
The Phillies originally acquired the pitcher in November 2024, drawn by eye-catching strikeout numbers and the potential for bullpen depth. At the time, he profiled as a classic high-upside flier — a pitcher with swing-and-miss stuff who could factor into relief depth if his command held up. Given the organization’s ongoing search for reliable bullpen arms, the move made sense on paper.
That optimism, however, quickly faded during the 2025 season with Triple-A Lehigh Valley. In 46 appearances, the right-hander posted a 5.08 ERA and a 1.44 WHIP, struggling to consistently miss bats. His strikeout rate dropped sharply from elite levels the year before, falling to just over 21 percent, while his K/9 dipped below 9.0 — a significant decline for a pitcher whose value was tied almost entirely to strikeouts.
Compounding the issue was a walk rate that failed to improve. Control remained a problem throughout the season, limiting his effectiveness and shrinking his margin for error. Without the ability to overpower hitters or reliably locate, his profile no longer fit what the Phillies were seeking from a potential major-league depth arm.
With Philadelphia firmly in win-now mode, roster flexibility and performance took priority. The organization ultimately chose not to retain the pitcher following the season, allowing him to test free agency rather than committing another year to a project that showed little sign of turning around.
Now with the Red Sox, the right-hander will get a fresh opportunity in a new system. Boston has a reputation for pitch development and mechanical tweaks, and the low-risk nature of a minor-league deal makes the move sensible for both sides. For the Phillies, meanwhile, the departure closes the book on a strikeout-focused gamble that simply didn’t pan out.