Phillies announce 2020 Spring Training invites

While the cloud of Hector Neris and J.T. Realmuto still being unsigned lingers on the edge of town, we turn our attention for the moment to Spring Training, that glorious oasis in the middle of the wintry desert of the offseason. The Phillies have announced their non-roster invitees for this year’s trek to Clearwater, filling out their spring rosters and giving us a chance to wonder about important things like: “Who will be this year’s Danny Ortiz?”

Every player on the 40-man roster is automatically invited to Major League camp, naturally. And the Phillies had previously made some minor league signings that featured an invite, including guys like 26th-man candidate Josh Harrison.

These additional invitees are members of the organization who aren’t on the 40, but who the org wants to get a closer look at against better competition than what’s offered in minor league camp. They are, in alphabetical order and with the positions listed by the team:

INF Alec Bohm

One of the org’s two highest-impact prospects. Being listed as “INF” likely means he’ll split time between 3B and 1B.

RHP Connor Brogdon

High-rising relief prospect who struck out 106 of the 296 hitters he faced across three levels last season.

LHP Kyle Dohy

Overpowering-yet-erratic reliever with huge strikeout and walk numbers alike.

LHP Tyler Gilbert

2015 6th-round pick who’s done well to limit the long ball during his five pro seasons.

1B Darick Hall

Lefty bat who’s hit 20-plus homers in each of the last three seasons, but has yet to reach Triple-A.

RHP Spencer Howard

The second high-impact prospect, along with Bohm. All eyes will be on this guy’s outings.

LHP Damon Jones

Enjoyed a big breakout as a SP in 2019 before arriving at Lehigh and struggling. His future may be in relief.

C Henri Lartigue

Glove-first catcher who posted just a .507 OPS in Double-A last year.

1B/OF Austin Listi

The 26-year-old is set to be an everyday player in Lehigh Valley next season after arriving mid-2019 and seeing his numbers rise.

SS Nick Maton

The utilityman makes a return to Clearwater and looks to be Reading’s Opening Day shortstop or second baseman.

OF Mickey Moniak

The former No. 1 overall pick looked a little overwhelmed at times last spring, but he continues to show some post-hype improvement as he moves up through the system. This camp could be a chance to open some eyes.

RHP Ramon Rosso

One of the sleepier sleepers in the system, Rosso is big-bodied (6’4”, 215) and big-armed as a SP. He’s conquered the lower levels, but will need to adjust to Triple-A hitting.

RHP Addison Russ

Reading’s often-dominant closer (81 K in 237 batters faced last year) will get a shot at seeing how his stuff plays against higher-level hitters.

LHP Zach Warren

Like Dohy, Warren comes with big power potential and walk-wariness out of the ‘pen. The 2017 14th-rounder seems slated to begin the year with Reading.

INF/OF Luke Williams

The 2015 3rd-rounder has yet to see it all click at the plate, but he’s shown versatility around the diamond, with at least 100 innings played at six different positions.