IronPigs to keep an eye on at Phillies 2025 Spring Training
Pitchers and catchers have officially reported to Clearwater for Phillies Spring Training and quite a few 2024 IronPigs (and some potential 2025 ‘Pigs too) are in camp with the big league team. Here’s a few key names to keep an eye on from the IronPigs 2024 roster plus some guys
Pitchers and catchers have officially reported to Clearwater for Phillies Spring Training and quite a few 2024 IronPigs (and some potential 2025 ‘Pigs too) are in camp with the big league team. Here’s a few key names to keep an eye on from the IronPigs 2024 roster plus some guys who could be seeing significant playing time at Coca-Cola Park this summer.
Weston Wilson
Even though Wilson played his final game of 2024 with the IronPigs on July 10, he still managed to tie for the second most homers on the team (18). After his final call-up to the Phillies, all Weston did was slash .298/.362/.512 with three homers and three stolen bases, hitting for the cycle along the way.
Right now, it looks like Wilson has the inside track for a bench spot with the big league team following his solid performance down the stretch for the Phillies which culminated in a start in left field in game four of the NLDS.
Cal Stevenson
Everyone remembers where they were for the Cal Stevenson™️ game. On September 14th, Stevenson hit a two-run double to give the Phillies the lead against the Mets and then robbed a homer the next half-inning to keep them in front.
Like Wilson, Stevenson will be fighting for the one of the final bench spots for the Phillies. A mainstay atop the lineup for the ‘Pigs in 2024, Stevenson led the team with 29 stolen bases, hitting .302 and walking more times than he struck out (68:66).
Kody Clemens, Buddy Kennedy, Rafael Marchan
We lump these three hitters together because they have something in common: they are all out of minor league options. What this means is they have to be exposed to waivers should the Phillies wish to send any of them to Lehigh Valley, making any decisions on their potential futures even murkier.
This trio was very productive for the ‘Pigs in 2024 and all look to factor into the Phillies plan potentially in 2025. Clemens socked 14 homers for the ‘Pigs last year, his second straight year with double-digit bombs for Lehigh Valley. Kennedy set the franchise record with a 40-game on-base streak after he was acquired from Detroit and Marchan was a stalwart behind the plate for the ‘Pigs, throwing out 40% of would-be base stealers.
Tyler Phillips
The hometown hero falls into the same category as the previous trio, just as a pitcher. Out of minor league options, Phillips is hoping to claim the long man role in the bullpen out of camp. A team can never have enough starting pitching depth and Phillips proved that last year, bursting onto the scene with his epic shutout masterpiece against Cleveland during a solid stretch of performance during the summer for the Phillies.
Phillips ended up throwing the most innings for the IronPigs too with 118.2, consistently taking the ball every sixth day. Should the Phillies need any fill-ins in the rotation keep an eye on Phillips.
Alan Rangel
A MiLB free agent pick-up midway thru the 2024 season, Rangel played the final months of the season with Lehigh Valley before being added to the Phillies 40-Man roster. Now in camp with the Phillies, Rangel looks like a swingman, long reliever, with versatility to pitch in any role.
He started and came on in relief for the ‘Pigs last year, and figures to feature as a member of the staff again in some capacity, likely as a starter. He finished the year with back-to-back starts of five innings, allowing just one run in each.
Kyle Tyler
Claimed off waivers from the Marlins midway through last year, Tyler fits the same mold as Rangel and will also likely be a part of the ‘Pigs rotation to begin the season.
Tyler made seven starts for the ‘Pigs down the stretch and allowed three runs or fewer in six of them. Tyler has been a transaction trooper, having been thru the waiver process eight times.
Michael Mercado
Is he a starter? Is he a reliever? We’ll find out soon enough. Mercado was the ‘Pigs 2024 Pitcher of the Year, sporting an ERA just above two, splitting his team between the rotation and bullpen. He made his Major League debut along the way, earning his MLB win at Wrigley Field.
Smart money has him likely in the same role he finished in last year (multi-inning Swiss army knife out of the bullpen), but Mercado was pressed into starting duty last year out of necessity. He dazzled ‘Pigs fans last year and will likely be a part of the core arms to begin the year in 2025.
Mick Abel
Now on the 40-man roster, Abel will likely lead the IronPigs rotation in 2025. A stalwart who pitched the entire season with the ‘Pigs in ’24, Abel now has a full year of triple-A experience under his belt after completing a tour of the International League as one of its youngest arms.
Seth Johnson
Johnson made just five starts for the ‘Pigs after he was acquired from Baltimore but he made them count. He allowed one run or fewer in four of the five and even racked up an International League Pitcher of the Week honor. That preceded his Major League debut which he made with the Phillies in Miami.
Now Johnson gets a full Spring Training with the Phillies and will continue to develop as a starter. While the IronPigs rotation looks like it will have some veteran depth (Rangel, Tyler) Johnson and Abel will likely be leading the youth movement.
Max Lazar
Lazar tore through the minors last season, beginning with double-A Reading and ultimately making his Major League debut. With the ‘Pigs Lazar was a menace out of the back-end, racking up saves and numerous multi-inning appearances. Now, Lazar enters his first big league camp with a chance to work himself into the mix as the last man in the Phillies bullpen.
Non-Roster Invitees
In addition to the players on the 40-man roster the following former IronPigs have earned non-roster invites to Phillies camp this spring as well:
- Jose Cuas
- Tristan Garnett
- Griff McGarry
- Josh Breaux
- Rodolfo Castro
- Otto Kemp
- Carson Taylor
- Matt Kroon
Cade Fergus Slams Walk-Off Homer for ‘Pigs Fourth Straight Win
Allentown, Pennsylvania (April 24, 2025) – Cade Fergus saved the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (17-7) after they blew a four-run lead, belting a walk-off two-run homer in the 10th inning for a 7-5 win over the Columbus Clippers (12-8) on Thursday night at Coca-Cola Park. With Nabil Crismatt rolling and throwing
Mick Abel Dazzles as ‘Pigs Roll to Third Straight Win
Allentown, Pennsylvania (April 23, 2025) – In a fantastic showing, Mick Abel spun seven marvelous frame of one-run baseball to lead the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (16-7) past the Columbus Clippers (12-8) by a final of 2-1 on Wednesday night at Coca-Cola Park. Columbus actually got the first run of the
Ranger Suárez Pitches ‘Pigs to Victory Over Columbus
Allentown, Pennsylvania (April 22, 2025) – A pristine outing for Ranger Suárez and a steady offensive barrage guided the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (15-7) past the Columbus Clippers (12-8) by a final of 7-3 on Tuesday night at Coca-Cola Park. Giving Suárez an early lead to work with, the ‘Pigs scored
Pristine Pitching Leads ‘Pigs to Series Split with Stripers
Lawrenceville, Georgia (April 20, 2025) – The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (14-7) used stellar pitching and timely two-out hitting to earn a series split with the Gwinnett Stripers (10-10) thanks to a 3-1 win on Sunday afternoon at CoolRay Field. The Stripers cracked the scoreboard first in the last of the
Buddy Kennedy Collects Two Hits and Reaches Base Four Times but ‘Pigs Fall to Stripers
Lawrenceville, Georgia (April 19, 2025) – The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (13-7) saw an early 2-0 lead slip through their fingers as they fell 6-3 to the Gwinnett Stripers (10-9) on Saturday night at CoolRay Field. The ‘Pigs opened the scoring in the second inning. Kennedy and Óscar Mercado walked to
Nabil Crismatt Earns Second Straight Win as ‘Pigs Rally to Top Stripers
Lawrenceville, Georgia (April 18, 2025) – The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (13-6) snapped a mini two-game losing streak by coming back from an early deficit for a 5-3 win over the Gwinnett Stripers (9-9) on Friday night at CoolRay Field. Gwinnett started the scoring in the second innings as Eddys Leonard
IronPigs Walked-Off on for the First Time this Season by Stripers
Lawrenceville, Georgia (April 17, 2025) – The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (12-6) endured their first walk-off loss of the season as they fell 3-2 to the Gwinnett Stripers (9-8) 8-4 on Thursday night at CoolRay Field. The ‘Pigs started off with some small ball as Cal Stevenson and Justin Crawford each
IronPigs Doubled Up by Stripers
Lawrenceville, Georgia (April 16, 2025) – The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (12-5) ended up on the wrong end of an early back-and-forth affair, getting doubled up by the Gwinnett Stripers (8-8) 8-4 on Wednesday night at CoolRay Field. Gwinnett got to work quickly, scoring twice in the first inning. Three straight
Otto Kemp Drives in Five as ‘Pigs Offense Steamrolls Stripers
Gwinnett, Georgia (April 15, 2025) – The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (12-4) were held scoreless in just two half-innings as they slugged their way to a 15-9 triumph over the Gwinnett Stripers (7-8) on Tuesday morning. Getting off on the right foot, the ‘Pigs scored four times in the first. Gabriel
‘Pigs Split Doubleheader against Mets with Dueling Shutouts
Allentown, Pennsylvania (April 13, 2025) – The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (11-4) split a doubleheader with the Syracuse Mets (5-9) as both teams pitched shutouts, the ‘Pigs taking the front end 2-0 before the Mets responded with a 7-0 win on Sunday afternoon at Coca-Cola Park. Although the ‘Pigs split the
‘Pigs Winning Streak Comes to a Close Against the Mets
Allentown, Pennsylvania (April 12, 2025) – The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (10-3) saw their eight-game winning streak come to a conclusion with a 6-2 loss to the Syracuse Mets (4-8) on Saturday night at Coca-Cola Park. After both teams went down quietly in the first three innings, the Mets cracked the
IronPigs and Mets Postponed on Friday, April 11th
Allentown, Pennsylvania (April 11, 2025) – The Friday, April 11th game between the Lehigh Valley IronPigs and the Syracuse Mets at Coca-Cola Park has been postponed due to inclement weather. The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Sunday, April 13th, with first pitch slated for
Crazy Eight! ‘Pigs Match Best Start in Franchise History with Eighth Straight Win
Allentown, Pennsylvania (April 8, 2025) – A three-run double from Óscar Mercado and a solo homer from Gabriel Rincones Jr. buoyed an exemplary pitching performance from five different arms as the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (10-2) won their eighth straight game, 5-1 over the Syracuse Mets (3-8) to match their best
Seventh Heaven! ‘Pigs Stymie Mets Bats to Snag Seventh Consecutive Win, Equaling Best Start Since 2012
Allentown, Pennsylvania (April 7, 2025) – The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (9-2) grabbed the lead in the very first inning and never relinquished control for their seventh straight win, 4-2, over the Syracuse Mets (3-7) on Wednesday night at Coca-Cola Park. By winning nine of their first 11 games, it is
Six Straight! ‘Pigs Blow by Mets to Open Series and Extend Winning Streak
Allentown, Pennsylvania (April 6, 2025) – The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (8-2) busted open a close game late with a four-run eighth inning to snatch their sixth consecutive win, 7-2, over the Syracuse Mets (3-6) on Tuesday night at Coca-Cola Park. Both teams failed to find traction early until the third
‘Pigs Rack Up Fifth Straight Win to Close Out Rochester Series
Rochester, New York (April 6, 2025) – The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (7-2) offense went bananas for a 12-8 win, their fifth straight, over the Rochester Red Wings (2-6) on Sunday afternoon at Innovative Field. Both teams used the longball to start the scoring in the second inning. Christian Arroyo belted
Mick Abel Stymies Red Wings as ‘Pigs Steamroll to Series Win
Rochester, New York (April 5, 2025) – In a dominant performance on both sides of the ball, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (6-2) trounced the Rochester Red Wings (2-5) 10-1 on Saturday afternoon at Innovative Field. Wasting no time getting going, the ‘Pigs pushed home two runs in the very first
‘Pigs Go Wire-To-Wire to Swipe Third Straight Win Off Red Wings
Rochester, New York (April 4, 2025) – The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (5-2) scored three runs in the first and never looked back, topping the Rochester Red Wings (2-4) 9-2 on Friday night at Innovative Field. Getting going right away, the ‘Pigs plated three in the first inning. Otto Kemp doubled
Pitching Propels ‘Pigs to Doubleheader Sweep of Red Wings
Rochester, New York (April 3, 2025) – The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (4-2) used seven different arms to silence the Rochester Red Wings (2-3) bats across both ends of a doubleheader, capturing 8-1 and 3-1 wins on Thursday afternoon at Innovative Field. Game One Scoreless thru the first two innings, the
Tomato-Tomahto? IronPigs to play as the true Tomato Pie for the annual edition of ‘Salute to Philly’
Allentown, Pennsylvania (April 2, 2025) – There are many ways to slice a pie, but there’s only one true Tomato Pie: Philadelphia Tomato Pie! In honor of that fact, for this year’s ‘Salute to Philly’ promotion, presented by Morabito Baking Co., the Lehigh Valley IronPigs will be rebranding for one
IronPigs Drop Road Opener to Red Wings
Rochester, New York (April 1, 2025) – The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (2-2) started their 2025 road slate with a dud as they fell 10-1 to the Rochester Red Wings (2-1) on Tuesday afternoon at Innovative Field. The Red Wings were off and running early, cracking open the scoring thanks to
‘Pigs Unable to Complete Sweep of RailRiders
Allentown, Pennsylvania (March 30, 2025) – The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (2-1) could not put the cap on their first three-game winning streak to start a season since 2021 as they fell 14-3 to the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders on Sunday afternoon at Coca-Cola Park. After zeroes in the first three innings, the
Seth Johnson Spins a Gem to Lead ‘Pigs to Second Straight 5-4 Victory
Allentown, Pennsylvania (March 29, 2025) – A sterling performance from Seth Johnson was the tip of the spear as the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (2-0) downed the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (0-2) by a final of 5-4 for the second consecutive game on Saturday evening at Coca-Cola Park. The game saw zeroes on
Big Flys from Payton Henry and Otto Kemp Guide ‘Pigs Past RailRiders on Opening Night
Allentown, Pennsylvania (March 28, 2025) – The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (1-0) rallied from an early deficit thanks to a trio of homers to emerge victorious, 5-4, over the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (0-1) on Opening Night at Coca-Cola Park. The RailRiders drew first blood in 2025, as a Jorbit Vivas sacrifice fly
IronPigs Announce 2025 Break Camp Roster
Allentown, Pennsylvania (March 25, 2025) – The Lehigh Valley IronPigs, in conjunction with the Philadelphia Phillies, have announced the IronPigs break camp roster. The break camp roster is subject to change prior to Opening Night on March 28. A PDF copy of the break camp roster is attached. The initial