With position players just days away from officially reporting for training camp, the Philadelphia Phillies added a new name to their spring training roster on Thursday. When the club convenes for its first full squad workout on Feb. 17, they’ll have a former top prospect joining the group.
As reported by Tim Dierkes of MLB Trade Rumors, the Phillies signed infielder Christian Arroyo to a minor league deal with an invitation to major league camp.
Christian Arroyo signed a minor league deal with the Phillies with an MLB invite.
— timdierkes (@timdierkes) February 13, 2025
Phillies add infield depth by signing former No. 1 prospect Christian Arroyo
Arroyo, 29, was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the first round in 2013 before climbing the prospect rankings to the organization's No. 1 spot in 2016. He didn't get off to a good start in his 2017 debut season, batting .192/.244/.304 in 34 games for the Giants.
He then played parts of two seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays, hitting .243/.322/.388. He spent from 2020 to 2023 with the Boston Red Sox, playing 224 games and slashing .264 /.306/.411. In 295 MLB games, Arroyo brings a .252/.299/.394 line with 24 home runs and 120 RBI to Philadelphia.
In 2024, he caught on with the Milwaukee Brewers and played 30 games for their Triple-A affiliate, struggling to a .237/.305/.360 line.
Arroyo has played mostly at second base but also the other three infield positions and right field. He has played over 1,332 innings at second in the majors with 12 defensive runs saved. Per MLB Trade Rumors' Steve Adams, the right-hander has played more shortstop and third base in the minors, racking up nearly 1,500 innings at the hot corner.
Adding Arroyo as a right-handed hitting depth piece doesn't come as a big surprise. Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski spoke on Wednesday about being open to signing depth players to minor league contracts, with major league deals likely off the table.
Arroyo will join the competition for the final bench spot this spring, although it's hard to imagine him making the Opening Day roster. While it's more likely that he'll end up in Triple-A to begin the season if he decides to stay with the club, the Phillies will give him a chance to show what he can do during spring training. He'll be competing with presumed favorite Weston Wilson, along with Kody Clemens and Buddy Kennedy, to be the 26th man.