Every offseason, each team searches for the obvious additions of superstars and big names. Sometimes, though, it’s about finding the hidden gem that can elevate a baseball club to the next level.
After the conclusion of the Philadelphia Phillies’ 2025 season, president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski and the rest of the front office have attacked the minor-league market, trying to find that potential hidden gem.
The Phillies are up to 18 minor-league contracts handed out this offseason, with 13 pitchers, one catcher, three infielders, and one outfielder. While many of these players won't get a sniff of big league action this upcoming season, there are some key names for fans to watch once spring training begins, with pitchers and catchers set to report in mid-February.
These 3 Phillies minor league signings might surprise everyone this spring
We'll begin with an honorable mention for eight-year veteran Trevor Richards for his veteran presence. Richards has logged 565 2/3 MLB innings across 295 games, including 61 starts. He profiles as a Triple-A depth option who could be on the Phillies’ radar if an arm goes down at any point during the season. You have to wonder if a good spring training might lead the Phillies to try to use him in a similar role as Walker Buehler this past season.
Bryan De La Cruz, OF
Starting with Bryan De La Cruz, Phillies fans should have their eyes all over this signing to see if he can potentially steal an Opening Day roster spot with a big spring training. After a disappointing 2025 season, De La Cruz likely didn’t generate much interest around the league.
However, a fantastic winter league performance has him positioned as a potential Dominican Winter League (LIDOM) MVP favorite, currently posting a slash line of .301/.372/.515. He has added eight home runs, 40 RBIs, and nine doubles in 46 games for the Toros del Este.
This performance should not only have the Phillies but also their fans excited to see what he brings to spring training. De La Cruz should have an opportunity to earn one of the Opening Day outfield spots, with the current state of left field consisting of a platoon between Brandon Marsh and either Weston Wilson or Otto Kemp.
#ToroVideo Llegó la remolcada No. 20 de la temporada para Bryan de la Cruz pic.twitter.com/trvMGiRsnM
— Toros Del Este (@TorosdelEste) November 26, 2025
Génesis Cabrera, LHP
Phillies fans might remember this name for something besides his stats, as Génesis Cabrera was the one who hit Bryce Harper in the face in 2021. Cabrera becomes an interesting minor-league signing after the Phillies moved on from left-hander Matt Strahm via trade with the Kansas City Royals, bringing in right-hander Jonathan Bowlan. The Phillies followed that move by trading for left-hander Kyle Backhus from Arizona.
Cabrera will draw interest because of the potential he has shown at times in the big leagues if a team can unlock it. His best seasons came in 2020 and 2021 with the St. Louis Cardinals. In 2020, he posted a 2.42 ERA in 19 games, throwing 22 1/3 innings. The following year, he appeared in 71 games and finished with a 3.73 ERA, striking out 77 batters in 70 innings.
After being acquired by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2023, Cabrera posted a 2.66 ERA in 29 games. He followed that with a full season in Toronto, finishing with a 3.59 ERA across 69 games and recording 50 strikeouts in 62 2/3 innings. Coming off a down 2025 season, Cabrera will be looking for a strong spring training to put himself on the Phillies’ radar with a potential opening for the last left-handed reliever spot.
Bryse Wilson, RHP
Bryse Wilson is another option who could provide bounce-back potential and make one last push in his career after agreeing to a minor-league deal with the Phillies on Dec. 12. This is a type of move the Phillies have had some success with in recent years. Most recently, José Ruiz had a strong 2024 campaign after signing a minor-league deal in 2023, although he was unable to follow it up in 2025 before being released.
Wilson struggled in 2025 with the White Sox, finishing with a 6.65 ERA in 20 games. His best season came in 2023 with the Milwaukee Brewers, where he appeared in 53 games, posting a 2.58 ERA and striking out 61 batters in 76 2/3 innings. He also made a dominant NLCS start for the Atlanta Braves in 2020.
Throughout his career, Wilson has bounced between starting and relieving, finding more success out of the bullpen. With the Phillies’ depth at starting pitching, focusing solely on a relief role could allow Wilson to carve out a spot and rebuild his value by being comfortable with one role.