The 2025 MLB calendar has turned to September, which means it's time for September call-ups with rosters expanding to 28 active players. As the MiLB season comes to an end, some of the best performers in Triple-A are rewarded for their solid play by getting promoted to the majors for the stretch run.
It's always a fun sight seeing these players contribute at the major league level during crucial pennant races. The Phillies last season saw journeymen Buddy Kennedy and Cal Stevenson make key plays that helped them win the NL East. This season, though, their call-up of Garrett Stubbs makes it feel like they passed over some obvious standouts at Triple-A who could be helping the big team.
3 bats who the Phillies should've promoted as September call-ups
Otto Kemp, UTL
The best skill that Otto Kemp could've provided the Phillies this September is his versatility. The undrafted rookie became a bit of a utility man for the Phillies after playing mostly third base in the minors upon the June call-up that he'd dreamed about. Among his 46 games played in the majors this, Kemp played 21 at third base, 15 at first, and even 10 in left field.
Kemp hit .228/.298/.359 with four home runs across those 46 games. His Triple-A numbers are far better this season, with him batting .315/.420/.578 with 15 longballs. MLB pitching is a different beast than in Triple-A, but it's surprising that they didn't recall Kemp, given his versatility and recent MLB experience.
Justin Crawford, OF
Justin Crawford will eventually get the call-up that Phillies fans are clamoring for. The talented outfield prospect who ranks No. 66 on MLB Pipeline's Top 100 prospects list has just not stopped hitting. The 2022 first-round pick has a career-best .335 average and .865 OPS this season for the IronPigs. Those numbers are even up from his career .322 average and .831 OPS that have the organization thrilled for the future.
The Phillies front office would certainly love to see Crawford hit for more power, as he's hit just 19 total home runs in four minor-league seasons. But it shouldn't matter if Crawford hits mostly grounders for this Phillies team, as they need his high-contact skills and 75-grade speed. The team is riding with their current outfield quartet through the rest of their season, but Crawford is an excellent bet to be on the Phillies' Opening Day roster next year in his age-22 season.
Keaton Anthony, 1B
If the Phillies weren't moved enough to recall Kemp this September, they definitely won't with Keaton Anthony, which is a shame, as he has an amazing story. Like Kemp, Anthony was an undrafted free agent, but for a different reason. Anthony was suspended from his University of Iowa baseball team in 2023 as the NCAA investigated him for possibly breaking their sports betting policies. He then went undrafted, and the Phillies have to be glad they scooped him up.
Anthony started the year on fire with a .330/.380/.522 slash for Double-A Reading and has carried his impressive production over to Lehigh Valley. His .313 average and .807 OPS stand out, as does his his defense. In 2024, Anthony was awarded a Gold Glove for his impressive defense at first base, and he would be another fascinating success story for the Phillies if he's eventually called up.