A former Philadelphia Phillies first baseman is back on the open market after a tough season in the minor leagues.
Darick Hall was released last week by the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, a big setback in his attempt to make his way back to the major league level for the first time in two years. The 30-year-old first baseman hit just .202 this season with four home runs and 24 RBIs in 59 games in the minors after signing a contract with the Pirates in December.
Former Phillie Darick Hall is a free agent again after being released by Pirates
Hall was originally drafted by the Phillies in the 14th round of the 2016 MLB Draft out of Dallas Baptist University and spent his first eight professional seasons in the organization. Known for his big-time power, Hall’s best minor league season came in 2017 at the Single-A level when he hit 29 home runs and 101 RBIs in 121 games. For his performance, he was honored with the South Atlantic League MVP Award.
He continued to progress through the system until finally making the major league roster in 2022 after a strong start to the minor league season. Hall made an instant impact with the Phillies at the plate, as he hit nine home runs in 136 at bats in the absence of Bryce Harper. At the same time, however, he struggled to hit for a consistent average, as he hit just .250 with a .282 on-base percentage in 42 games and was subsequently left off the 2022 postseason roster.
He started the 2023 campaign in the majors after an injury to first baseman Rhys Hoskins, but ultimately was unable to hold onto a roster spot due to injuries and inconsistency. He ended his Phillies career with a .226 average to go along with 10 home runs and 19 RBIs in 60 games.
Hall went on to spend the 2024 season with the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs, where he set the team home run record last August with 70 in his Lehigh Valley career.
In a conversation (H)all to himself!
— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) July 21, 2024
Darick Hall breaks the @IronPigs home run record with his 70th long ball for the club. pic.twitter.com/II7KPK8jgg
Late in the 2024 campaign, he was officially designated for assignment and elected free agency, bringing his tenure with the Phillies organization to a close after eight years.
Now a free agent once again, Hall will look to continue his journey back to the major leagues after a forgettable 2025 minor league campaign.