Now into the second half of the season, the minor league roster shuffling continues for the Philadelphia Phillies. The organization's latest move sees two pitching prospects earn promotions to Double-A.
Phillies promote pair of standout pitching prospects to Double-A
High-A Jersey Shore BlueClaws pitchers Samuel Aldegheri and Jean Cabrera are both on the move after a promotion to the Double-A Reading Fightin Phils of the Eastern League.
The news was first reported by Chase Ford of MiLB Central. Aldegheri himself confirmed the promotion with That Ball's Outta Here.
MLB Pipeline currently ranks the 22-year-old Aldegheri as the Phillies No. 23 prospect. With how his season has gone, he should move up the Top 30 rankings after the midseason update. The left-hander has started 13 games for the BlueClaws, recording a 6-5 record, 3.18 ERA and 1.06 WHIP in 68 innings — his 95 strikeouts and 12.57 K/9 lead the South Atlantic League.
In a recent exclusive interview, Aldegheri told TBOH that his goal has been to limit the number of walks he's allowing this season, which he has done recently. After posting a 4.26 BB/9 in his first seven starts, he reduced that to 3.00 BB/9 percent over his final six outings in High-A and didn't issue a single free pass in his last game.
When reached for comment about his promotion to Double-A, the native of Verona, Italy, said he is looking forward to the challenge ahead as he continues his journey toward his eventual MLB debut.
“I’m excited to go compete in a harder level and face more experienced hitters,” Aldegheri shared via text. “But this is just another step, I’m getting closer but the road to the show is still far away and a lot more work to do, but I’m here for it.”
Jean Cabrera is making a name for himself this season
Cabrera, also 22, finished his time in High-A second behind Aldegheri with 91 strikeouts in 77 innings. The right-hander pitched to a 5-4 record in 14 starts with a 3.39 ERA and 1.09 WHIP with the BlueClaws.
In his final start for the BlueClaws, Cabrera struck out 10, the third time he eclipsed the double-digit strikeout mark — he even punched out 14 batters in one June start.
Jean Cabrera's locked in 🔐
— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) July 5, 2024
The @Phillies prospect twirls six hitless innings and strikes out 10, the third time he notches double-digit punchouts in a game for the @BlueClaws: pic.twitter.com/VqScPL5hqp
Cabrera, who signed out of Venezuela in 2019, isn't currently ranked by MLB Pipeline in the Phillies Top 30 prospects, which seems like an oversight at this point. FanGraphs had him ranked No. 22 in January, and he should be higher in the next update. FanGraphs' Eric Longenhagen describes Cabrera as, "A lanky and athletic young righty with mid-90s arm strength and burgeoning changeup feel."
The newest Fightin Phil significantly cut down his walk rate last year in Single-A and has continued that trend this season, posting a 2.92 BB/9. Combined with his 10.64 K/9 and 51.6 percent ground ball rate, it's easy to see how Cabrera succeeded against High-A hitters.
After their success with Jersey Shore, both young pitchers will now have to adjust to a higher level in Double-A Reading. They're both names that Phillies fans should keep an eye on.