Otto Kemp is not the only rising star in the Philadelphia Phillies organization making waves with a new promotion. At the Double-A level, the Reading Fightin Phils recently added some firepower to their middle infield with the promotion of highly touted former fourth-round pick Carson DeMartini.
On Sunday, Chase Ford of MiLB Central broke the news that the Phillies were promoting infielder DeMartini from the High-A Jersey Shore Blue Claws to join the Fightin Phils, a big step in his development process in what has been a strong sophomore season so far. The Phillies confirmed the promotion on Monday.
Welcome to Reading, @CarsonDemartini! pic.twitter.com/MjGKroXiAC
— Phillies Player Development (@PhilsPlayerDev) June 9, 2025
Carson DeMartini will look to continue breakout season in Double-A following promotion
DeMartini was drafted in the fourth round by the Phillies last summer out of Virginia Tech, and has made a big impression so far at the plate. In 77 games between Single-A Clearwater last year and Jersey Shore this year, the 22-year-old hit a combined .294 with 10 home runs, 39 RBIs and 26 stolen bases.
Although his batting average has dipped so far this year, increased power and refined plate discipline have elevated his on-base and slugging percentages. DeMartini slashed .284/.402/.474 in High-A with eight home runs through 53 games, including two in his final appearance with Jersey Shore. As far as his plate discipline, he had 31 walks in 190 at-bats, which is a big improvement from 2024 when he had just nine walks in 92 at-bats.
🦀💣 Carson DeMartini CANNOT BE STOPPED! Here's his 2nd of the day, 8th of the year, and 7th since May 22nd! pic.twitter.com/GQwnGvnIY1
— Jersey Shore BlueClaws (@BlueClaws) June 8, 2025
Defensively, DeMartini could use some work, but he has provided the team with flexibility as he has taken significant reps at second base, shortstop and third base. This will be especially important as he continues to rise the ranks of the organization, with the long-term futures of Alec Bohm and Bryson Stott in question and Trea Turner seemingly penciled in at the shortstop position for years to come.
As it stands, DeMartini is ranked as the No. 15 prospect in the Phillies organization by MLB Pipeline, a testament to his dominant performance so far. He got off to a good start, going 2-for-4 with a walk and two steals in his first game in his new uniform.
Double-A hit #1 for Carson DeMartini🎉 pic.twitter.com/3JV07XsqQn
— Reading Fightin Phils (@ReadingFightins) June 10, 2025
Still just 22, DeMartini is not expected to make an impact for the major league club for several years, but he gives the Phillies an intriguing young option as they look to balance their current core and their improved farm system.
For now, fans of the Reading Fightin Phils will have the chance to see DeMartini up close and personal as he continues his rapid progression through the Phillies farm system. If his performance in Clearwater and Jersey Shore is any indication, it won’t be long before he makes a big impact for the club and becomes a household name in Reading and beyond.