Last week, the Philadelphia Phillies announced a slew of roster moves including the election of free agency by multiple players who saw time on their big league roster in 2024. They also added Alan Rangel to their 40-man roster and claimed John McMillion off of waivers from the Marlins.
The final move made here was acquiring Devin Sweet from the Detroit Tigers in a minor trade. Cash considerations were sent back to Detroit, and Sweet was promptly added to the Phillies' 40-man roster alongside McMillion and Rangel.
The Phillies announced the following roster moves:
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) November 4, 2024
Right-handed pitcher Devin Sweet was acquired from the Detroit Tigers in exchange for cash considerations and selected to the 40-man roster
Right-handed pitcher John McMillon was claimed off waivers from the Miami Marlins…
Who is Devin Sweet, the newest member of the Phillies?
Sweet, 28, made it into the first 8 2/3 innings of his big league career back in 2023 but didn't get into any games this past season. He surrendered 10 runs on as many hits while walking and striking out six batters apiece. You're forgiven if you aren't exactly blown away by those numbers.
As is always the case with acquisitions like this, the Phillies traded for Sweet because they were encouraged by something they saw beyond the surface-level numbers. His 10.80 ERA doesn't instill much confidence right away, but a look at his minor league performance in 2024 suggests there's more than meets the eye. This could ultimately be a pretty sweet pickup for the Phillies.
After spending time in the Seattle Mariners and Athletics' systems between 2018 and 2023, Sweet wound up in the Tigers' system in 2024 and was extremely sharp. The right-hander made a total of 52 appearances (the most he has ever had in a single season as a pro) with a smooth 3.91 ERA. He also struck out a jaw-dropping 111 batters in just 76 innings of work. That is most likely exactly why he caught the Phillies' eye.
Sweet's ability to take the ball consistently and go multiple innings per outing makes him an attractive roster piece. Those strikeout numbers are pretty nice to look at, too.
Around this time of year, clubs all over the league are looking for low-risk, high-reward acquisitions and the Phillies have found themselves a good one in Sweet. He could slot into a bullpen that may lose both Carlos Estévez and Jeff Hoffman this offseason, so the Phillies are going to need all the help they can get.
If there's any real disadvantage here, it's on Sweet's end, as he's still got two minor league options remaining. This could make him a candidate to start the 2025 campaign in Triple-A, but if he continues to put up strong numbers like he did this past season, he won't stay down there for long.
The Phillies acquired him and immediately added him to their 40-man roster so he wouldn't hit minor league free agency. This shows that they want him to contribute to their club as soon as next season.