Fightin Phils Infielder Alex Binelas Talks Reading Opportunity, Eastern League Experience

(Reading, PA) - As a flurry of infield options swarm the Fightin Phils lineup, one sticks out as a seasoned veteran. Mixed between Phillies No. 2 prospect Aidan Miller, Eastern League doubles leader, and now former R-Phil, Keaton Anthony and recent call-up Carson DeMartini is 25-year-old Alex Binelas.

The corner infielder signed with the Phillies on May 26, his 25th birthday, and has tallied five hits in eight games thus far.

The Fightin Phils media team spoke with Binelas to discuss his fresh start in Reading and past experiences in professional baseball:

New opportunity

Before Binelas arrived in Baseballtown, he first needed to see his family and dog. Binelas made the 14-hour drive from Worcester, Massachusetts, home of Boston's Triple-A affiliate, to his home in Wisconsin. After arriving home around 7 a.m., he slept for four hours, woke up and committed to join the Phillies.

Binelas packed up his truck the next day and reported to Reading. In just a few days, he switched from the Boston Red Sox Triple-A affiliate to the Philadelphia’s Double-A squad. And Binelas said the switch was in the works instantaneously.

“I wasn't even out of the locker room yet, and my agent said, ‘You got a call from the Phillies saying they're interested,’” Binelas said.

Binelas has comfort with multiple Fightin Phils already from his time playing with the Portland Sea Dogs over the past few years. He grew up with former Reading infielder Trevor Schwecke back in Wisconsin and went out to dinner with Schwecke and other members of the team when Portland visited last summer. Binelas recalls speaking with his former Portland teammates about the fans and atmosphere at FirstEnergy Stadium. So far, he’s enjoyed his stay now on the home side.

“Everyone's very professional. They're very smart. You can communicate with them very well,” Binelas said. “Ever since I've been here, it's been great communication. Very welcoming and just making me feel like I've been in this organization since day one of the season.”

Veteran presence

While Binelas is using his past with Portland to build relationships, he’s also become a key veteran for the squad. Playing in the Eastern League has allowed him to learn the ballparks, batter’s eyes and even the off-the-field details like which hotels they stay at on the road.

“It's not like a completely new jump for me,” Binelas said. “Even though I'm playing on a new team, I feel like that is a little bit of an advantage.”

Coincidentally, some of Binelas’ best games of his professional career have come against Reading. He recorded back-to-back games with a triple in early May last season and an absurd nine total bases on June 11, 2024. During his time in Portland, he played with Red Sox top prospects Marcelo Mayer and Roman Anthony. He played with them again in Worcester.

As a player who has hopped around three organizations already, Binelas knows how to prepare and play at the professional level. He remembers having a veteran group around him to help him find his footing and play six days a week for months at a time. Now, he’s playing that role for the Fightin Phils young players.

“It's definitely a little different coming up, if you came from high school or came from college,” Binelas said. “So having someone there that’s done it and done it for a few years is definitely valuable.”

Additional notes:

Long before Binelas found himself in Reading, he was searching for which college he would play with. He landed in Louisville largely because of longtime head coach Dan McDonnell, who is currently leading the Cardinals to their sixth College World Series in his tenure. Binelas said McDonnell honed in on doing the little things the right way to develop. He also credits the head coach for turning him into a man off the field.

Despite playing the majority of his professional career in the Red Sox organization, he started his career with his hometown Milwaukee Brewers. American Family Field — the home of the Brewers — is less than 20 minutes from Oak Creek where he grew up. As his family gathered at his house, he received a phone call from Milwaukee and told them he was staying home. The Brewers selected him 86th overall in the 2021 MLB Draft and Binelas said many tears were shed in the ensuing hours.

Unfortunately for Binelas, his fairytale landing spot was short-lived as the Brewers sent Binelas, David Hamilton and Jackie Bradley Jr. to Boston for Hunter Renfroe. It was a learning experience for Binelas at a young age.

“This game is a business, and I figured that one out really quick,” Binelas.

While Binelas continues to work his way through the minor leagues in Reading, he hasn’t lost touch with his ultimate aspirations. He knows his time with the Fightin Phils is key to it.

“I want to be a big leaguer and help a big league team win baseball games. That's my goal,” Binelas said. “And the Phillies gave me this opportunity.”

The 2025 R-Phils season is presented by Pepsi. Follow the Fightin Phils on Twitter @ReadingFightins, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Instagram @Fightins.