The Philadelphia Phillies have officially announced the signing of right-handed pitcher Nicholas Padilla to a minor league contract, adding a promising arm to their organizational depth. The 27-year-old has shown flashes of potential in his career, and the Phillies hope he can make a meaningful impact in 2025.
Padilla, originally a 13th-round pick by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2015, transitioned from starting to relief pitching in 2019. That move unlocked his potential, as he delivered a solid 3.48 ERA with a 26.3% strikeout rate over 62 innings at Single-A that year. However, after the canceled 2020 minor league season, the Cubs selected him in the Rule 5 draft, giving Padilla a fresh opportunity to climb the ranks.
Climbing the Ladder
Padilla’s 2022 season marked a breakout, as he advanced rapidly through the Cubs’ system. Dominating at High-A and Double-A, he earned a promotion to Triple-A, where he posted a stellar 1.23 ERA in 14 2/3 innings while striking out 28.8% of batters. This earned him a brief stint in the majors, debuting with the Cubs as the 27th man during a doubleheader against the Cardinals.
Although his big league opportunity was short-lived, Padilla’s potential caught the attention of the White Sox, who claimed him off waivers later in 2022. He made sporadic appearances for the team in 2023 but struggled to find consistency, splitting time between the majors and Triple-A Charlotte.
Reviving His Career in 2024
Padilla turned a corner in 2024, delivering a standout season in Triple-A with a 2.92 ERA and a 30.3% strikeout rate over 37 innings. Despite not getting a call to the big leagues, his performance signaled a return to form. Now, as a free agent, Padilla joins the Phillies in hopes of breaking into their bullpen.
What Padilla Brings to the Phillies
Padilla adds depth to a bullpen that will need reinforcements following the departure of Spencer Turnbull. His ability to pitch multiple innings in relief could be particularly valuable for a team with several young pitchers, including Andrew Painter, Seth Johnson, and Mick Abel, vying for key roles in 2025.
While Padilla will likely need a strong Spring Training to secure a 40-man roster spot, his strikeout ability and renewed confidence make him an intriguing candidate to contribute during the season. Whether as a long-relief option or injury replacement, Padilla offers the Phillies a low-risk, high-upside addition to their pitching staff.
Philadelphia’s investment in Padilla underscores their commitment to building depth and competition within the organization as they aim to return to the postseason in 2025.
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