We are just under a week from several minor league players' dreams becoming a reality. September call-ups always represent an exciting time of year because fans get to see new players for the first time at the MLB level.
Right now, the Philadelphia Phillies are in the middle of a hot streak, and though the team is bound to cool down, having other players join the squad during this time could help keep the morale high and energy restored.
We still don't know who Philadelphia will call upon, but if we don't see guys like Carter Kieboom or Paul McIntosh get promoted this time around, we may never see them in red pinstripes.
2 Phillies aging out of call-up contention as September approaches
Carter Kieboom
There was so much promise with Carter Kieboom when he was drafted. A first-round selection in 2016 by the Washington Nationals, Kieboom never quite found his footing in the major leagues. He's appeared in 30 MLB games since 2023, and none have come with the Phillies, who traded for him just ahead of the 2026 regular season.
Injuries have been a consistent hurdle for Kieboom throughout his career, including this season. He turns 29 years old in early September, and though he isn't playing terribly with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, it clearly hasn't been enough for Philadelphia to promote him. Also, considering the way Alec Bohm started his 2026 campaign, you'd think that the team would want another third baseman getting consistent reps. Suddenly, Bohm has found himself again, which tells us that maybe it isn't in the cards for Kieboom to play in Philadelphia.
Paul McIntosh
Triple-A Lehigh Valley has a handful of catchers on the roster. It's a mix of younger and older players, which tells us that the Phillies might not have a rock-solid plan with which catcher is next in line.
Someone like McIntosh, 28, is having a strong season in Triple-A. Once a Top 30 prospect with the Marlins, McIntosh is a .269 hitter with eight home runs this season. Considering he isn't the oldest catcher in the group, nor the least experienced, it tells us that maybe right now is his best shot at being a September call-up. If he misses the boat this time, you could argue his opportunity was passed up as other young catchers continue to develop.
Add us as a preferred source on Google