The Philadelphia Phillies have signed right-handed pitcher to a minor league deal, as confirmed on his MLB.com player profile and his personal Instagram update. The 27-year-old Padilla brings experience across multiple organizations, hoping to provide bullpen depth for the Phillies.
Padilla began his professional career in 2015 as a 13th-round pick by the Tampa Bay Rays. Initially a starter, he transitioned to a relief role in 2019, finding success with a 3.48 ERA and a 26.3% strikeout rate in 62 innings at Single-A. Despite this promising performance, Padilla’s time with the Rays ended after the cancelled 2020 minor league season. He was subsequently selected by the Chicago Cubs in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft.
Padilla’s Cubs career began slowly due to injury in 2021, limiting him to just 1 2/3 innings. However, he rebounded strongly in 2022, advancing rapidly through the minors. He excelled at Triple-A Iowa, posting a 1.23 ERA and striking out 28.8% of hitters in 14 2/3 innings. This earned him a brief MLB debut as the 27th man for a doubleheader, where he pitched 1 2/3 innings, allowing one run while striking out one batter. Despite this opportunity, Padilla was designated for assignment two weeks later and claimed by the Chicago White Sox.
Padilla’s tenure with the White Sox included brief MLB appearances and a fluctuating role between Triple-A and the majors. In 2023, he made three big-league appearances, recording a 5.79 ERA in 4 2/3 innings. His Triple-A numbers that year were similarly underwhelming, with a 5.52 ERA across 44 games. Outrighted off the roster in late 2023, Padilla remained with the organization in 2024, showing marked improvement. He posted a 2.92 ERA and a 30.3% strikeout rate in 37 Triple-A innings but did not receive a call-up before electing free agency.
Now joining his fourth organization, Padilla aims to secure a role in Philadelphia’s bullpen. For the Phillies, he represents a potential asset as a depth arm, particularly if he can replicate his improved 2024 form. This signing adds an experienced reliever to their minor league system as they prepare for the 2025 season.
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