Phillies Rule 5 Pick Tyler Goeddel Claimed by Cincinnati

Goeddel was the Phillies Rule 5 pick last season from the Tampa Bay Rays

With 40-man roster spots limited entering the 2017 Phillies season Tyler Goeddel found himself on the outside looking in. An unproductive rookie season for the first-overall pick in the 2016 Rule 5 Draft caused him to fall out of favor between the coaches, organization, and fans.

After being placed on waivers, Goeddel was claimed by the first team in line, Cincinnati, and will report to Triple-A Louisville.

Playing 92 games Goeddel hit .192 with four home runs and 52 strikeouts for the Phillies. Because Goeddel was a Rule 5 pick, and a highly touted one at that, the club had to keep him on their 25-man roster all season.

With Brock Stassi taking his role in the offense Goeddel was informed he would most likely be sent to Double-A Reading to improve his swing. The disgruntled Goeddel scoffed at the idea of moving from MLB to AA, and was unsure of his role in the organization.

“I know I can play in the big leagues, but I have to take care of business down there,” said Goeddel after learning of his demotion from “them,” referring to the coaches and front office.

Last year when facing a count with two strikes Goeddel hit a measly .111 in 90 at bats with 46 strikeouts. He hit .180 with runners in scoring position, and a putrid .221 with men on base.

Next: Tyler Goeddel Forcing Himself Out of Philadelphia

Goeddel essentially forced his way off a great Reading team, and potentially a championship Lehigh Valley team to play for the worst organization in baseball.

Good riddance.