The Phillies have signed right-handed pitcher Nicholas Padilla to a minor league contract, as shown on his MLB.com profile and confirmed through his personal Instagram update.
Padilla, 27, was initially drafted by the Rays in 2015 in the 13th round and began his career as a starter before transitioning to relief in 2019. He posted a 3.48 ERA and a 26.3% strikeout rate over 62 innings that year in Single-A. However, following the cancellation of the 2020 minor league season, he was selected by the Cubs in the Rule 5 draft’s minor league phase.
Padilla’s time with the Cubs began in 2021 at High-A, but injuries limited him to just 1 2/3 innings. He rebounded in 2022, moving rapidly through the minor leagues and excelling at Triple-A, where he maintained a 1.23 ERA and a 28.8% strikeout rate over 14 2/3 innings. This performance earned him a brief stint in the majors as the 27th man in a doubleheader.
In his MLB debut, Padilla pitched 1 2/3 innings, giving up one run on two hits and two walks with one strikeout. He was later designated for assignment and claimed by the White Sox, but only made three major league appearances in 2023. His performance that year was mixed, with a 5.79 ERA in 4 2/3 innings in the majors and a 5.52 ERA over 44 Triple-A outings.
Nicholas Padilla
After being outrighted from the White Sox roster, Padilla spent 2024 in their system, recording a 2.92 ERA and 30.3% strikeout rate in 37 innings without being called up. Now, joining the Phillies, he adds depth to their bullpen and could compete for a spot in Spring Training or serve as injury coverage during the 2025 season.
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