Phils' teen catching prospect using ABS challenge experience to his advantage
CLEARWATER, Fla. – One of the storylines of Spring Training has been the implementation of the ABS challenge system in select ballparks across Arizona and Florida. But those in the Sunshine State might be a little more familiar with the tech than their southwestern counterparts. The Florida State League first
CLEARWATER, Fla. – One of the storylines of Spring Training has been the implementation of the ABS challenge system in select ballparks across Arizona and Florida. But those in the Sunshine State might be a little more familiar with the tech than their southwestern counterparts. The Florida State League first used ABS in 2022, meaning many prospects from organizations with affiliates on that Single-A circuit already have in-game experience with it. This is not just a singular spring experiment. It’s quickly becoming part of their development story.
Phillies catcher Eduardo Tait is one such prospect, and as one of the three players (pitcher, hitter, catcher) allowed to challenge any ball-strike call, he’s part of a new generation of backstops learning and growing with a defensive tool that could be a separator for his position someday at the game’s top level.
“I definitely think of it as a skill,” Phillies director of player development Luke Murton said. “From a professional baseball standpoint, we’ll probably track specific catchers’ right and wrong calls and then the leverage of games.”
Every team takes to challenging differently.
During regular-season play in the FSL and Triple-A (where it’s also been used in recent years), some clubs forbid their pitchers from using a challenge because hurlers think every close call is a strike. Some tell their players to save challenges for the late innings, when leverage is much higher. Rules have been generally more lax in Spring Training as more veteran players are getting the hang of the challenge. That was never more evident than on March 2 when Trea Turner challenged the very first pitch of the game by former teammate Max Scherzer.
“I do think we're all going to get to a point where we are going to set some rules and have some different ideas of how to set the rules,” Murton said. “We have not set anything in stone yet, but I think it could go to, say, the hitters' metrics -- how well they're seeing the ball, how well they're not, and then honestly, when they have challenged, were they successful or were they not successful.”
No matter the rules, the more comfortable players get with the system at every level, the higher the likelihood it comes to the Major League regular season. And challenging could become almost as important as framing in evaluating future MLB catchers in the Minor Leagues. Those who know the zone extremely well give their teams another advantage.
📩 SUBSCRIBE TO THE BASEBALL TRAVELER NEWSLETTER
Enter Tait.
Signed for only $90,000 out of Panama in January 2023, the left-handed-hitting catcher has shot up the ranks, not only climbing to No. 4 on the Phillies list entering 2025 but also up to No. 92 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100. That jump has been in part due to his plus power as a career .497 slugger in two Minor League seasons but also his general defensive growth. Tait’s receiving has improved enough, particularly in framing, over those two years since signing that evaluators feel better about his long-term future behind the plate.
He’s still only 18 (and will be until Aug. 27) and could grow further still defensively. But he’s also at least three years away from the Majors, and by his current ETA date of 2028, ABS challenges could very well be a part of everyday life in the bigs.
With Tait likely to return to the Florida State League (where he played 28 games last year) to begin 2025, he could soak up valuable ABS challenge experience that could give him a leg up on others in the competition to take over catching duties in Philly.
“He's a very smart kid,” Murton said. “Every time I talk to him about the hitting or the catching side, he’s been very in tune and has a very strong understanding of what's going on and why it's going on. So I foresee him being pretty good at the challenge system.”
Camp standout I: Gabriel Rincones Jr.
At 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, the Phillies’ No. 10 prospect generally stands out anytime he takes to the diamond, but he’s gone to a new level as a non-roster invitee this spring. Entering Monday, Rincones was tied with Alec Bohm for the team lead with three homers this spring. In fact, three of his five total hits have gone over the fence.
That’s notable because the left-handed slugger has generally been a hit-first, power-second type in the Minor Leagues despite his size. That started to change a bit last year with Double-A Reading (which plays in one of the most hitter-friendly ballparks for that level) as he cut his ground-ball rate by eight points despite missing time with a torn thumb ligament, and Murton sees this spring’s performance as a carryover from that work.
“I think with him, it's just a matter of understanding what pitches he can -- not just hit hard -- but hit hard in the air,” said the Phils exec. “I think he's learning that and understanding different counts and how pitchers are going to attack him. He just has more experience.”
Camp standout II: Casey Steward
The 2023 19th-rounder out of Division II Washburn University had a solid first full season last year all things considered, finishing with a 3.42 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 101 strikeouts in 102 2/3 innings between Single-A and High-A. His fastball sat 92-95 mph with around 12 inches of armside run, while his low-80s slider broke the opposite way with equal sweep.
But this spring, Steward has shown a velocity bump of about 2 mph across those two offerings in live throwing sessions, according to Murton. Standing 6-foot-5, the Wichita native gave the Phillies hope he could add a little extra heat when they first drafted him, but with this latest improvement, he’s even more in their sights now. Case in point: he was named to the Phils’ Spring Breakout roster.
“I think from a delivery standpoint, he's a little bit improved,” Murton said. “It's a little easier, a little freer. I think the intent in the zone has been better, even this year than it was last year. He had a great offseason. He worked extremely hard. He's already a great athlete for how big he is. I think it's a culmination of different factors.”
Breakout prospect: Devin Saltiban
The Phillies’ No. 9 prospect is very much on the radar, but there are always levels to the radar.
Selected in the third round of the 2023 Draft, Saltiban entered the Philadelphia pipeline through the Hawaii high-school ranks via a stop in the MLB Draft League. Murton cautioned that the Phils knew Saltiban would be a long-term project, given he didn’t face much velocity back home and then only got a small taste for it in the ’23 MLB Draft League, facing 94+ mph only four times (per Synergy Sports). By comparison, Statcast had him seeing 226 such pitches in the Florida State League last year. The gulf showed; Saltiban batted just .196 with two homers against 94+ last year.
Even with that introduction to velocity, the 5-foot-9 second baseman managed to slug 17 homers in just 97 games, finishing third in the FSL. More exposure to heat could mean perhaps even more power in Saltiban’s second full season, and considering he’s also a plus runner, that would make for an awfully intriguing middle-infield prospect.
“He could be one of those guys, in my opinion, that goes out and hits 20 home runs and plays 120 games,” Murton said, “and makes his way to the Top 100.”
Sam Dykstra is a reporter for MiLB.com. Follow and interact with him on Twitter, @SamDykstraMiLB.
Naturals Hosting Fan Batting Practice at Arvest Ballpark on Saturday, March 15th (1-3pm)
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals and Whataburger are excited to offer fans the opportunity to take Batting Practice at Arvest Ballpark on Saturday, March 15th from 1pm until 3pm. Fan Batting Practice at Arvest Ballpark is available to 60 participants and is sold on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Arvest Ballpark to be 'Cashless' Beginning in 2025
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – In an effort to increase overall ballpark convenience and to further streamline and enhance fan experiences throughout the ballpark, the Northwest Arkansas Naturals announced today that Arvest Ballpark will be a cashless venue beginning in 2025. This will include transactions involving food and beverage, merchandise, parking, and
MLB Announces Royals Spring Breakout Roster
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – Major League Baseball has announced the projected rosters for the second-annual “Spring Breakout” Prospect Games and the Kansas City roster includes 10 former Naturals. The Royals prospects will face the Arizona Diamondbacks prospects on Friday, March 14th. As part of MLB Spring Training, the “Spring Breakout” Prospect
New March Hours Announced for the Naturals Team Store and the Arvest Ballpark Ticket Office
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – With Opening Day approaching, the Northwest Arkansas Naturals are excited to announce new hours in March for the Naturals Team Store and the Arvest Ballpark Ticket Office. Starting on March 3rd, the Naturals Team Store and the Arvest Ballpark Box Office, both located at Arvest Ballpark, will
Promo Club Memberships on Sale for the 2025 Season
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are excited to announce that Promo Club memberships are now on sale for the 2025 season. Memberships are $99 and are available to all fans. Regardless of whether you attend the games or not, Promo Club members will be guaranteed access to all
Naturals, Whataburger Team Up for Field of Dreams
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are excited to team up with Whataburger once again this season for the Field of Dreams program at Arvest Ballpark. The Field of Dreams program presented by Whataburger is one of the most popular programs at Arvest Ballpark. Whether it is for a
First-Ever Arvest Ballpark Classic to feature Springdale Against Rogers Heritage on Tuesday, March 11th
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are proud to announce that they will be hosting the first-ever Arvest Ballpark Classic on Tuesday, March 11th and it’ll feature a high school baseball game between the Springdale Bulldogs and the Rogers Heritage War Eagles. First pitch between the two 6A-West clubs
The Naturals and Patina Restaurant Group Hosting Second Job Fair on Wednesday, March 5th (5pm - 6:30pm)
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals, along with Delaware North’s Patina Restaurant Group, will be hosting another Job Fair from 5 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5th at Arvest Ballpark. The two organizations will be looking for part-time, seasonal associates that will help provide top-notch customer service
Initial 2025 Promotional Schedule Announced
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are excited to announce our initial promotions for the 2025 season that will continue the tradition of low-cost, family entertainment at Arvest Ballpark. More event and promotional announcements for the season will come in the very near future! The season will begin on
2025 Field Staff: Brooks Conrad New Naturals Manager
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Kansas City Royals have announced the 2025 field staffs for their minor league affiliates, naming Brooks Conrad as the new field manager of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. Conrad, the eighth manager in Naturals history, is joined by newcomer Chris Corbett who joins the club as the
Single Game Tickets on Sale for 2025 Season
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are excited to announce that single game tickets are now on sale to the general public. Individual tickets were put on sale online today – Monday, January 13th at 10 am CST – for all 69 home games scheduled at Arvest Ballpark during
The Batting Practice Experience: Rent the Batting Cages at Arvest Ballpark in January and February
Springdale, Ark. – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are excited to announce the return of our Batting Cage Experience presented by Whataburger, which will be available to fans and local teams on select days in January and February beginning on Tuesday, January 14th. The cost is $95 for an hour rental,
Strike to Deliver Valentine's Day Gifts on February 14th
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are excited to announce that Strike the Sasquatch will once again be playing cupid on February 14th as you can have the Naturals' popular mascot deliver a baseball-themed gift featuring Four Home Plate Premium Tickets to Opening Day, a Parking Pass, a Chocolate
Game Day Associate Job Fair: Thursday, February 13th at Arvest Ballpark (5:15pm-7:15pm)
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals, along with Delaware North’s Patina Restaurant Group, will be hosting a Game Day Associate Job Fair on Thursday, February 13th at Arvest Ballpark. The two organizations will be looking for part-time, seasonal associates for the 2025 season. Interviews will begin at 5:15 p.m.
Stephen Crockett Named 2024 Head Groundskeeper of the Year in Texas League
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals, in conjunction with Minor League Baseball and the Texas League, are excited to announce that Stephen Crockett has been honored with the Texas League’s Head Groundskeeper of the Year Award for the 2024 season. “We are incredibly proud to congratulate Stephen Crockett on
2024 Naturals: Year for the Record Books
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The 2024 Northwest Arkansas Naturals season came to a close on September 15, the 16th season and 17th year of baseball in Springdale, Arkansas. The summer was filled with excitement, prospects, a playoff chase, numerous big league call-ups, a bounty of prospects, and fun-filled nights at Arvest
Home Game Times Announced for 2025 Season
SPRINGDALE, Ark – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are excited to announce start times for all home games at Arvest Ballpark during the 2025 season beginning with Opening Night, which will start at 7:05 p.m. as the Naturals host Frisco (Double-A Texas Rangers) on Tuesday, April 8th, 2025. A printable PDF
Four 2024 Naturals Headed to Arizona Fall League
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – Every fall Minor League Baseball’s top prospects converge on Arizona to take part in the Arizona Fall League (AFL). The 2024 Northwest Arkansas Naturals are well represented in this year’s AFL with four of the Royals’ nine participants having donned a Northwest Arkansas uniform this season. Catcher
Naturals in the Community: 2024 Season
SPRINGDALE, Ark – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are proud to continue to have a positive impact on Northwest Arkansas as over one million dollars has been raised by participating groups in the past decade through the team’s fundraising and community partners program. During the 2024 season alone, the Naturals partnered
Season Tickets, Mini Packs, Flex Packs, and Family Packs Available for 2025 Season
SPRINGDALE, Ark – The Naturals are excited to announce that Season Tickets, Mini Packs, Flex Packs, and Family Packs are now available to the public for the 2025 season of Naturals baseball. Fans can now renew their current ticket pack or become a ticket holder prior to the start of
2025 Regular Season Home Schedule Announced
SPRINGDALE, Ark – Major League Baseball today announced the Northwest Arkansas Naturals 2025 regular season home schedule. All game times will be announced at a later date. Opening Day is scheduled for Tuesday, April 8th at Arvest Ballpark against the Frisco RoughRiders (Texas Rangers). For the first time since the
Three Naturals Recognized by Royals for 2024 Season
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Kansas City Royals honored their 2024 Minor League Organizational Award winners Friday night at Kauffman Stadium, with three of the six winners donning Naturals uniforms in 2024. RHP Steven Zobac (Paul Splittorff Pitcher of the Year), Javier Vaz (Mike Sweeney Community Impact Award), and UTL Tyler
Naturals Hold Off Travs Charge in 7-6 Win Friday
SPRINGDALE, ARKANSAS -- Josh Lester's three-run homer in the first got the Naturals off on the right foot Friday night, and despite a late charge by the Arkansas Travelers (42-25, 78-57) the Northwest Arkansas Naturals (31-35, 66-69) held on for a 7-6 win at Arvest Ballpark. The Naturals and Travelers
HOMESTAND HIGHLIGHTS: September 10th - September 15th
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals will host their in-state rivals, the Arkansas Travelers (Seattle Mariners), in a six-game series at Arvest Ballpark to conclude the regular season. The final homestand features daily food and drink specials as Buck-A-Brat, Dollar Hot Dogs, and Thirsty Thursday™ highlight the first three
Naturals Rally From Behind, Beat Riders 9-4
Friday night Northwest Arkansas took the field under their Copa identity, Los Naturales del Noroeste De Arkansas. The team wore special jerseys and hats to celebrate the Latin heritage in the community of Springdale and the entire Northwest Arkansas region. Heading into Friday's game, the Naturals had lost their last