Phillies Have Found Hidden Bullpen Gem This Spring

It seemed like a minor move at the time.

When the Philadelphia Phillies traded pitching prospect Erik Miller to the San Francisco Giants for right-hander Yunior Marte in early January, it didn’t exactly generate headlines.

Guess what? These types of trades are often the ones that improve a team in a major way.

Marte has been solid thus far with the Phillies in spring training as he has struck out five and walked one in five innings. He has allowed only two hits and one run.

“It’s filth,” manager Rob Thomson said of Marte’s array of pitches. “It’s just really electric. It’s 98, 99 with sink. He’s got a slider. He’s been tremendous.”

The 28-year-old Marte appeared in 39 games with the Giants in 2022. He struck out 44 and walked 22 with a 5.44 ERA in his first season.

Maybe Marte’s lack of command was a cause for concern.

Some relief pitchers just take longer to develop and Marte appears to be trending in a positive direction.

Even if Marte opens the season with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, the Phillies have to be thrilled with the added depth.

After all, the Phillies boast one of the deepest bullpens in baseball anchored by the likes of Seranthony Dominguez, Jose Alvarado, Craig Kimbrel, Gregory Soto and Matt Strahm.

If Marte keeps pitching at this level, it will give Thomson even more options.