BREAKING: The Philadelphia Phillies have made a strategic move by signing a free agent pitcher after a promising season in the minor leagues for 2024.

Despite having a lackluster pitch selection and only throwing 100 pitches in the majors during 2023 while moving between Triple-A and the big leagues, Padilla achieved an impressive 34.1 percent whiff rate. This statistic would place him among the top performers in the league if he had qualified, which he did not due to limited appearances. In his brief stint of 4 2/3 innings, he recorded six strikeouts against just one walk.Additionally, Padilla represented Puerto Rico in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, where he played in three games. He secured a win without allowing any runs, giving up just two hits over 2 1/3 innings of relief.It remains uncertain how Padilla will fit into the Phillies’ plans for 2025. He could serve as a depth reliever in Triple-A, potentially earning a call-up when the big league team requires additional arms. With one minor league option left, he might find himself making multiple trips between Lehigh Valley and Philadelphia depending on his performance and the team’s needs.