As the Philadelphia Phillies look ahead to the season, there's no denying they could have one of the top starting rotations in Major League Baseball if everything breaks their way. But once you start digging into the starting depth, things look shaky in a hurry. The Phillies added an arm on Wednesday to help bolster that depth, reportedly signing right-hander Connor Gillispie to a minor league deal.
There was no indication if the signing, first reported by Steve Potter, includes an invitation to spring training. But with Gillispie having previous major league experience and the Phillies desperate for starting pitching it wouldn't be surprising to see him in camp.
Phillies reportedly sign Connor Gillispie to a minor league deal
Gillispie, 28, has pitched in multiple organizations since being drafted in the ninth round by the Baltimore Orioles in 2019. He doesn't have the strongest track record in the high minors and has had mixed results in his brief big league auditions. On the surface it doesn't look like he'll be an arm to lean on, but perhaps the Phillies see something.
Gillispie opened the 2025 season in the Miami Marlins' rotation but didn't last long. He made six starts, posting an 8.65 ERA and 1.65 WHIP with 23 strikeouts and 11 walks in 26 innings. The Marlins designated him for assignment in June after he put up a 4.28 ERA in 33 2/3 Triple-A innings.
The Minnesota Twins claimed Gillispie off waivers but he made only four starts with a 14.49 ERA for Triple-A St. Paul before landing on the injured list for the remainder of the season.
Gillispie did have a successful MLB debut and short stint with the Cleveland Guardians in 2024. He threw eight innings in relief with a 2.25 ERA, eight strikeouts, and five walks.
Connor Gillispie won't fix the Phillies' starting rotation depth problems
This isn't a signing that will move the needle, but that's the pool of free agents the Phillies are picking through at this point in spring training. Without an obvious rotation spot up for grabs, free agents who want a chance to pitch in the big leagues won't be knocking down president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski's door.
Take former Phillie Walker Buehler, for example. He just signed a minor league deal with the San Diego Padres because he has a chance to pitch for an Opening Day role.
We already know that Zack Wheeler won't be ready for Opening Day, but the Phillies should have five starters at the outset of the season. They're relying on veteran Taijuan Walker and prospect Andrew Painter to take the fourth and fifth rotation spots.
The concern is if there's an injury then the next 40-man roster options are right-handers Yoniel Curet, Alan Rangel, or prospect Jean Cabrera. The Phillies do have right-hander Bryse Wilson and lefty Tucker Davidson at camp as non-roster invitees.
Unfortunately, adding Gillispie to the mix doesn't make it feel like there's any more depth than there was previously. There's still lots of work to be done before Opening Day.