Phillies Claim Carlos Hernandez off Waivers; Roster Shuffle in Philadelphia and Kansas City
Table of Contents
- 1. Phillies Claim Carlos Hernandez off Waivers; Roster Shuffle in Philadelphia and Kansas City
- 2. Carlos Hernandez: A High-Velocity Arm Joins the Phillies
- 3. Tyler Phillips Designated: A Casualty of the Roster shuffle
- 4. phillies Bullpen Outlook: Hernandez’s Role and Potential impact
- 5. Royals Roster Decisions: Pratto and Velazquez Head to Triple-A
- 6. Transaction Summary
- 7. Recent Developments and Practical Applications
- 8. What’s the one thing you believe the fans can do to support Hernandez as he joins the Phillies family?
- 9. Phillies Bullpen Boost: An Interview with Phillies’ Pitching Coach, Marcus Cole
March 23, 2025
In a flurry of roster moves on March 23, 2025, the Philadelphia Phillies claimed right-handed pitcher Carlos Hernandez off waivers from the Kansas City Royals.This transaction triggered a series of corresponding moves, impacting the futures of several players and reshaping the bullpen dynamics for both teams as they head into the 2025 MLB season.
The Royals, aiming to trim their 40-man roster, placed Hernandez, along with first baseman Nick Pratto and outfielder Nelson Velazquez, on waivers. while Pratto and velazquez cleared waivers and were outrighted to Triple-A, Hernandez found a new home in Philadelphia.To make room for Hernandez,the Phillies designated right-hander Tyler Phillips for assignment.
Carlos Hernandez: A High-Velocity Arm Joins the Phillies
Carlos Hernandez, 28, brings a power arm to the Phillies’ bullpen. The Venezuelan native signed with the Royals in 2017 and steadily progressed through their minor league system, making his major league debut in 2020. Though, that first taste of the majors was rough, with a 4.91 ERA and a 6.40 FIP over 14 2/3 innings.
The 2021 season offered a glimpse of Hernandez’s potential. He pitched in a swing role for Kansas City,posting a solid 3.68 ERA and a 4.08 FIP across 85 2/3 innings. This performance suggested a promising future, but Hernandez struggled over the subsequent two years, accumulating a 6.21 ERA in 126 innings. His strikeout rate dipped to 19.8%, while his walk rate climbed to 11%.
These struggles prompted a full-time move to the bullpen in 2024. While his surface numbers showed advancement, with a 3.30 ERA and a 3.50 FIP in 30 innings, underlying concerns remained. he allowed three unearned runs, his strikeout rate remained relatively low at 20.9%, and he struggled in Triple-A, notching a 5.40 ERA in 26 2/3 innings. His walk rate was a major red flag, ballooning to a career-high 12.4%.
Hernandez’s inconsistency ultimately led to the Royals placing him on waivers after a less-than-stellar spring training, where he recorded a 6.97 ERA in 10 1/3 innings. with no minor league options remaining, the Royals needed the roster spot.
The Phillies, seeking to bolster their bullpen, jumped at the opportunity to claim Hernandez. The move adds a high-velocity option, potentially giving them an edge in late-inning situations. As any baseball GM knows, “You can never have too much pitching depth,” a sentiment frequently enough echoed by former Atlanta braves General Manager John Schuerholz.
Tyler Phillips Designated: A Casualty of the Roster shuffle
To accommodate Hernandez, the Phillies designated Tyler Phillips for assignment. Phillips, 27, made his major league debut with Philadelphia last season, pitching to a 6.87 ERA in 36 2/3 innings across seven starts and one relief appearance. Now, the Phillies have a week to either trade Phillips or attempt to pass him through waivers. if he clears waivers, he could be outrighted to the minors as a non-roster depth piece.
phillies Bullpen Outlook: Hernandez’s Role and Potential impact
Hernandez is expected to compete for a role in the Phillies’ bullpen, potentially serving as a long relief option. He could join Joe Ross and Taijuan Walker in that capacity, although Walker might be considered for a return to the starting rotation if Ranger Suarez starts the season on the injured list.
The addition of Hernandez injects uncertainty and competition into the Phillies’ bullpen picture. His ability to harness his velocity and improve his command will be crucial in determining his long-term role with the team. The Phillies are banking on their pitching coaches to unlock Hernandez’s full potential and transform him into a reliable late-inning option.
One potential counterargument is Hernandez’s high walk rate. in today’s baseball landscape, where every baserunner can be a threat, command is paramount. If Hernandez cannot control his walks, his effectiveness will be limited, irrespective of his velocity.
Royals Roster Decisions: Pratto and Velazquez Head to Triple-A
nick Pratto and Nelson Velazquez, both young hitters with flashes of brilliance, now find themselves in Triple-A after clearing waivers. Both players have struggled to maintain consistency at the major league level, leading to the Royals’ decision to remove them from the 40-man roster.
Velazquez, acquired from the Chicago Cubs in 2023 for right-hander Jose Cuas, initially impressed in 40 games but regressed last year, posting a .200/.274/.366 slash line in 64 games. Pratto, a former first-round pick in 2017 and once a top-100 prospect, has yet to translate his potential into major league success, with a .216/.295/.364 slash line across 144 games.
both players will serve as non-roster depth for the Royals and will attempt to earn their way back to the major leagues through strong performances at Triple-A. For Pratto, adjusting his launch angle, as many hitting coaches now recommend, might unlock more power. For Velazquez, refining his plate discipline will be key.
Transaction Summary
| Team | Player | Transaction | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royals | Nick Pratto | Placed on Waivers, Outrighted to Triple-A | March 23, 2025 |
| Royals | Nelson velazquez | Placed on Waivers, Outrighted to triple-A | March 23, 2025 |
| Royals | Carlos Hernandez | Placed on Waivers, Claimed by Phillies | March 23, 2025 |
| Phillies | Tyler Phillips | Designated for Assignment | March 23, 2025 |
| Phillies | Carlos Hernandez | Claimed off Waivers | March 23, 2025 |
Recent Developments and Practical Applications
The Phillies, as of March 23, 2025, have also assigned several players to their minor league camp, indicating the team’s focus on solidifying their major league roster before the start of the regular season. These players include:
- Jerffson Pena (CF) – Assigned on March 14, 2025
- Dylan Campbell (CF) – Assigned on March 14, 2025
- Eduardo Lopez (RF) – Assigned on March 14, 2025
- Kehden hettiger (C) – Assigned on March 14, 2025
- Carter Mathison (OF) – Assigned on March 13, 2025
These assignments highlight the competitive environment within the Phillies association, as young players strive to develop and potentially contribute to the major league team in the future.
What’s the one thing you believe the fans can do to support Hernandez as he joins the Phillies family?
Phillies Bullpen Boost: An Interview with Phillies’ Pitching Coach, Marcus Cole
Archyde News: Marcus, thanks for joining us. With the Phillies claiming Carlos Hernandez off waivers, what’s the initial impression of this new addition to the bullpen?
Marcus Cole: Glad to be here. We see a lot of potential. Carlos has a strong arm, and those high-velocity arms are always intriguing. The Royals gave him a shot,so we believe he can add depth to keep the rest of the bullpen fresh.
Archyde news: hernandez has shown flashes but also had struggles with consistency and control, notably with a high walk rate. How do you plan to address those concerns with his command?
Marcus Cole: That’s the key, isn’t it? We’ll be focusing on refining his mechanics and helping him find a consistent release point. We’ll be working on his mental approach too, helping him stay focused in high-pressure situations. It’s about building trust in his pitches and himself. We’ll also have him throw to a smaller target area using methods tailored to him to improve his command.
Archyde News: Tyler Phillips was designated for assignment to make room for Hernandez. How arduous are these roster decisions, and what does it say about the competitiveness within the Phillies’ institution?
Marcus Cole: They’re tough, truly they are. We have to make hard choices. it highlights the depth and competition we are fostering. Everyone has to earn their spot. Tyler is a talented pitcher, potentially with a good changeup, but it’s a business. We wish him the best,but our focus is on the 2025 season.
archyde News: What role do you foresee Hernandez playing in the Phillies’ bullpen, and how will the team integrate him into the rotation?
Marcus Cole: we see him potentially in a long-relief role, but that will depend on how quickly he adjusts and hones his command. He could relieve Taijuan Walker if he isn’t in the rotation. It’s all about finding the right mix and utilizing each pitcher’s strengths. we’ll assess how he performs in different situations and adjust accordingly.
Archyde News: ultimately, what do you hope to see from Carlos Hernandez in the coming season? If he can’t control his walks, how much potential do you suppose he will have?
Marcus Cole: We’re aiming for a reliable arm who can come in, throw strikes, and give us quality innings. Controlling the walks is critical. If he can’t control his pitches, it’s an uphill battle. We’ll work with him, show examples of similar pitchers, and provide him with every resource to succeed. But it’s about his mental toughness as much as his physical ability. Ultimately,success lives or dies with consistency. What’s the one thing you believe the fans can do to support hernandez as he joins the Phillies family?
