Phillies Acquire Genesis Cabrera and Trevor Richards

Phillies Add Relievers to Minor League Roster

The Philadelphia Phillies have bolstered their pitching depth by signing lefty reliever Génesis Cabrera and right-handed pitcher Trevor Richards to minor league deals. This move reflects the team’s efforts to enhance its bullpen options as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Details on Génesis Cabrera

Génesis Cabrera, who has spent the past seven seasons in Major League Baseball, brings experience and a strong pitching arsenal to the Phillies. Last year, he pitched for four different teams but struggled overall, finishing with a 6.54 ERA across 40 appearances.

• At 29 years old, Cabrera’s fastball sits in the 95-96 MPH range, albeit slightly down from his earlier career velocity of 97-98 MPH.
• Despite his past as a high-leverage option with the St. Louis Cardinals, he will now aim to solidify his position as a reliable left-handed option in the bullpen.
• Cabrera’s cutter and curveball have also been effective pitches in his arsenal.

Insights on Trevor Richards

Trevor Richards, who turns 33 in May, is another intriguing addition. He has experienced a varied career across eight MLB seasons. Last year, Richards made only five appearances between the Kansas City Royals and Arizona Diamondbacks.

• His recent performance of 5.19 ERA raises questions, but he has a solid history of logging over 60 innings in previous seasons from 2021 to 2024.
• Richards is known for his changeup and will be targeting a swing role during Spring Training.

Additional Signings and Implications

Alongside Cabrera and Richards, the Phillies have also signed righty Jonathan Hernández, infielder Christian Cairo, and catcher René Pinto in recent weeks. These additions aim to enhance the team’s depth across various positions.

• Jonathan Hernández, also 29, has faced challenges over the last couple of seasons, including injuries, but has previously been a part of high-leverage situations.
• Christian Cairo, a utility player, is working to make his long-awaited MLB debut after a stint in Triple-A that included a .237 batting average.
• René Pinto, a depth catcher, has experience in minor leagues and aims to contribute to the team’s options behind the plate.

Looking Ahead

The Phillies are clearly taking proactive steps to secure their pitching and overall roster depth as they gear up for the 2026 season. With Cabrera likely to feature early on, the team’s strategy involves not only reinforcing their bullpen but also nurturing players who can contribute meaningfully in the near future. Spring Training will be crucial for these new signings to demonstrate their potential and secure spots on the main roster.

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