The Philadelphia Phillies continue to refine their roster for the 2025 season, officially signing veteran right-handed pitcher to a minor league deal. The move adds valuable depth to their bullpen as the team eyes another run at a World Series title.
Crismatt, 29, has pitched for several organizations during his five-year MLB career, including the New York Mets, Seattle Mariners, St. Louis Cardinals, San Diego Padres, Arizona Diamondbacks, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Texas Rangers. While he hasn’t consistently held a full-time role in the majors, Crismatt has delivered solid results when given the opportunity.
A Veteran with Championship Pedigree
In 2023, Crismatt posted a 1-1 record with a stellar 2.57 ERA and 1.00 WHIP over seven innings during a brief stint with the Dodgers, contributing to their World Series-winning season. Though his role was limited, he gained valuable experience in a championship-caliber environment.
However, Crismatt’s 2024 season was a mixed bag. After being designated for assignment by the Dodgers in May, he spent time with the Rangers and Padres organizations. His minor league campaign saw him take on both bullpen and starting roles, posting a 5.81 ERA and 1.61 WHIP in 79 innings across 27 games, including 16 starts.
Despite his struggles in the minors, the Phillies see Crismatt as a low-risk, high-reward signing who can provide depth in multiple roles. His ability to work as both a reliever and a spot starter gives the team additional flexibility, particularly with starting pitching depth always in demand during a long season.
A Strategic Addition
The Phillies’ bullpen underwent significant changes this offseason, with the departures of Carlos Estévez and Jeff Hoffman in free agency. While the team addressed those losses by signing former two-time All-Star Jordan Romano to a one-year, $8.5 million deal, the addition of Crismatt underscores their commitment to building a robust relief corps without overextending financially.
Crismatt’s career numbers include a 9-6 record with a respectable 3.71 ERA and 1.30 WHIP across 177 innings in 114 MLB appearances. The Phillies hope he can regain his consistent big-league form and serve as a reliable option should injuries or underperformance arise during the season.
As the Phillies gear up for another postseason push, Crismatt could quietly play a key role in stabilizing their pitching staff, proving that even under-the-radar moves can make a big impact on a championship-contending team.
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