2024 Fightin Phils Spring Training Report

(Reading, PA) - Members of the 2023 Fightin Phils team have showcased strong performances in both big league and minor league camp. With only six spring training games remaining for the big club, the Phillies farm system has emerging talent to watch as the regular season begins.

Big League Potential

2023 R-Phil, Mick Abel was invited to Phillies Spring Training as a non-roster invitee. Many have pinpointed the Phillies No. 2 Prospect as an arm that can assist the Phillies rotation at some point in 2024.

Abel started in last Saturday's Spring Breakout game vs the Detroit Tigers prospects. He pitched the first two innings, and gave up a solo home run in the second inning to Tigers No. 4 prospect, Jace Jung, but bounced back nicely and struck out the side. Last Saturday was also Abel's first opportunity to play alongside Phillies No. 3 prospect, 19-year-old Aidan Miller.

Most notably, the twenty-two year old struck out renowned Yankees superstar, Juan Soto in a Grapefruit League game last week. This spring, Abel has struck out four through 2 2/3 innings in two Grapefruit League games.

Abel spoke to Phillies beat writer Todd Zolecki after his performance in the Spring Breakout game.

"Everything is clicking right now," Abel said. "Everything feels really good mentally. I’m in a really good place. I have a lot of confidence.”

The Phillies No. 2 prospect spent most of the 2023 season with Reading, going 5-5 in 22 starts and 108.2 innings pitched. Abel was promoted to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on September 22, and made one start for the Iron Pigs. In 23 combined starts between both levels, he posted a 4.13 ERA with 132 strikeouts. The righty also had the opportunity to play in the All-Star Futures Game for the National League as the starting pitcher.

"He's poised, he knows how to go about his business and his stuff is really, really good," says Phillies manager Rob Thomson. "Can he help us this year? Possibly. But for the future, he's a guy."

R-Phils Alum

Other prominent names who have performed this spring are Baseballtown alumni: Nick Podkul, Matt Kroon and Ethan Wilson.

In 2023, Rojas made a remarkable jump from Reading to the big-leagues. He made his MLB debut on July 14 with the Phillies, appearing in 59 games and started all 13 postseason games. The 23-year-old’s speed in the outfield played an integral role in the Phillies defense in the second half of last season. Prior to his call up, he posted a .306 batting average in 76 games with nine homers, 45 RBI and stole 30 bases for the Fightins. Rojas and teammate Orion Kerkering received the Paul Owens Award, presented annually to the organization’s top minor league player and pitcher.

The Phillies No. 13 prospect, Carlos De La Cruz spent the entire 2023 season with the Fightins. This spring he is hitting .214 through 28 at-bats with six hits, four RBI and a stolen base. De La Cruz also played alongside Miller and Phillies No. 4 Justin Crawford in the Spring Breakout.

Nick Podkul, Matt Kroon and Ethan Wilson have also started the spring productively. The three are hitting a combined .255 with 11 hits and six RBI in 67 plate appearances. De La Cruz, Kroon and Podkul were assigned to minor league camp on Wednesday where they will continue to tune up for the upcoming season.

Arising Young Talent

Two up-and-coming youngsters to keep an eye on are No. 3 Prospect Aidan Miller and Crawford. Miller's prowess comes in his bat, and is expected to take big strides in pro ball in 2024. The 19-year-old only played in 20 games last year with Florida Complex League Phillies and Clearwater, but still hit .303 in limited appearances, including 20 hits. Miller went 1-2 with an RBI in Saturday’s Spring Breakout, and is responsible for driving in the Phillies only run of the game.

Another star in the making is Crawford, the Phillies 2022 first round pick. The 20-year-old played 69 games with Clearwater in 2023 before being promoted to Jersey Shore for the remainder of the season. In total, he hit .332 with 116 hits including eight triples, 64 RBI and 47 stolen bases. Crawford led off the 2024 Spring Breakout game by hitting a chopper to third and reached base due to a throwing error by the Tigers. He went on to steal second base and scored on an RBI single by Miller.

The Reading Fightin Phils return to FirstEnergy Stadium on Tuesday, April 9, to open the 2024 season against the Portland Sea Dogs (Red Sox). Single game tickets are on sale and can be purchased online at rphils.com/tickets, by calling 610-370-BALL or in-person. Additionally, fans purchase mini plans, flex banks, ticket books, season tickets and group outings by going to rphils.com, calling 610-370-BALL or in-person at the Customers Bank Ticket Office.

The 2024 R-Phils season is presented by Pepsi. Follow the Fightin Phils on Twitter @ReadingFightins, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Instagram @Fightins.