The Philadelphia Phillies and outfielder Bryan De La Cruz agreed to a minor league contract for the 2026 season, which includes an invitation to major league camp at next year's spring training, according to a report earlier this month from Mike Rodriguez on X (formerly Twitter).
De La Cruz turns 29 on December 16 and is an outfield depth signing for the Phillies. The Yankees claimed him off waivers from the Atlanta Braves last May after he played just 16 games with the NL East club.
The corner outfielder played 91 games at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after joining the Yankees organization, hitting.271 with 15 home runs and a.796 OPS in 368 plate appearances.
He started his Major League career with the Miami Marlins in 2021 and looked promising, at least at the plate, to begin. He smashed 13 home runs in 2022 and 19 homers in 2023, but poor defense limited his effectiveness.
Does De La Cruz have a chance to crack the Opening Day roster?
Even with the expected departure of Nick Castellanos, De La Cruz would have to show signs of improved defense and a better approach at the plate to make the Phillies' Opening Day roster.
He posted an under-par 27.3% strikeout rate over 105 games in 2024, split between the Marlins and the Pittsburgh Pirates. De La Cruz is a free swinger, drawing only 29 walks in 622 plate appearances in that same year.
In preparation for spring training, the veteran has joined LIDOM's Toros del Este in the Dominican Republic this winter.
More Phillies news:
- Phillies' Dave Dombrowski reveals updated Zack Wheeler recovery timeline for 2026 season
- Dave Dombrowski reveals Phillies' free agent plan for Max Kepler
- Phillies' Dave Dombrowski shares four-word message on Nick Castellanos trade rumors
- Phillies linked to Pete Alonso as a Kyle Schwarber replacement
- Phillies linked to Ketel Marte for potential blockbuster offseason trade
- Phillies fielding 'steady' trade interest in trio of left-handed relievers