Simón Muzziotti is heading into a make-or-break year
Another former Phillies top prospect is also in a make-or-break year with the organization. Simón Muzziotti was once ranked as one of the team's most promising young position players, but injuries and bad luck have caused Muzziotti's stock to plummet even as outfield opportunities have presented themselves with the big league club over the last two seasons.
Muzziotti made his major league debut for the Phillies in April of 2022 and didn't do enough with the bat to stick with the big club. In nine games, Muzziotti hit .143 with only one hit in seven at-bats. His minor league season would come to an end on Aug. 26 after suffering a partially torn right patellar tendon. Unable to secure a roster spot last spring training, Muzziotti was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley, where he spent the entire 2023 season.
While Muzziotti has shown decent contact skills as a hitter, his lack of power has created questions regarding his role on a major league club. Last season, the Phillies found themselves with various needs in the outfield. Muzziotti was never given a chance, with the team opting to give the right-handed hitting Johan Rojas a call-up when injuries and poor defensive play began to hurt the Phillies in the field.
Muzziotti put up solid numbers in Lehigh Valley, batting .296 with seven home runs and 61 RBI in addition to 26 stolen bases in 124 games. Those numbers weren't enough to convince the Phillies, and on Feb. 7, he was designated for assignment to create a roster spot when the Phillies claimed pitcher Max Castillio off waivers. Muzziotti cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A.
Now finding himself in camp as a non-roster invitee, is time almost up for Muzziotti?