Before Opening Day, the Philadelphia Phillies made a deal with a division foe, the Miami Marlins. Philadelphia designated pitcher Tyler Phillips for assignment on March 23 following their claim of reliever Carlos Hernández.
FanSided's Robert Murray was the first to report the news that Phillips was headed to Miami, although it wasn't clear at the time whether it was a waiver claim or a trade.
Phillies trade Tyler Phillips to NL East rival Miami Marlins
Phillips struggled during much of his brief tenure with the Phillies, who officially announced the trade to the Marlins for cash considerations on Wednesday afternoon.
The Phillies have traded RHP Tyler Phillips to the Miami Marlins in exchange for cash considerations.
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) March 26, 2025
The native of South Jersey made his major league debut with Philadelphia midway through the 2024 season (subscription required). He made two starts on July 21 and 27, his best appearances in a Phillies uniform. His second major league start was against the Pittsburgh Pirates when the right-hander allowed zero earned runs, four hits and one walk in six innings. He pitched a complete game in his next outing versus the Cleveland Guardians. The former selection by the Texas Rangers in the 2015 MLB Draft allowed zero earned runs, four hits and one walk.
He mostly struggled in his remaining outings last season, surrendering nine home runs in his eight appearances. The 27-year-old allowed four or more earned runs in five of his eight games. He didn't accumulate many strikeouts aside from his major league debut when he had seven in four innings out of the bullpen on July 7 against the Atlanta Braves last year.
The Phillies gave him a chance this year to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster. Phillips made one start and six relief appearances in spring training. He struggled in his only start, allowing three earned runs, two hits, one home run and one walk. The former Phillie showed improvement in not allowing home runs, allowing only one homer. His lack of any minor league options carried some risk if the organization didn't want to have him claimed by another team.
If he had made the Opening Day roster, it was unlikely Phillips would have remained with Philadelphia for very long into the season unless he showed consistent improvement. Many of the Phillies' relievers outperformed him during spring training. He finished with a 7.59 ERA, allowing nine earned runs and seven walks.
Unless there were multiple injuries, there was not much of an opportunity for Phillips to develop in the majors with the Phillies. Miami may offer him a better fit to pitch consistently in the major leagues, considering they're not expected to be a playoff contender.
The Marlins have two starters, Braxton Garrett and Eury Pérez, who are out long-term for the club. Phillips could have another opportunity to become more seasoned at the major league level with Miami.