Phillies: 4 candidates for backup catcher role in 2020

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 28: Deivy Grullon #73 of the Philadelphia Phillies in action against the Miami Marlins during a game at Citizens Bank Park on September 28, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

Deivy Grullon is one of three catchers on the Phillies’ 40-man roster.

The right-handed hitting, Bonao, Dominican Republic, native made his long-awaited MLB debut in late September of last season, albeit him slashing only .111/.111/.222 with one hit (a double), one RIB and two strikeouts spanning four games and nine plate appearances.

Although, Grullon did show early promise behind the plate, committing no errors over 17 innings and 21 chances.

Grullon’s bat is what intrigues the Phillies the most; in his 108 games played last season with the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs, he slashed .283/.354/.496 with 24 doubles, 21 home runs and 77 RBI. A year prior at Double-A, he tallied 14 doubles, 21 home runs and 59 RBI.

Hence, we simply saw a small sample size from Grullon with nine plate appearances in the majors, late in the season with just days, in hindsight, remaining under the tenure of Gabe Kapler.

If Grullon shines this spring, it would be difficult for the Phillies to keep a soon-to-be 24 year old (come February 17) down in the minors.

1. Deivy Grullon