Phillies invite 23 non-roster players to MLB Spring Training

Can you believe that MLB Spring Training is literally right around the corner? I honestly couldn’t believe it until I saw that the Phillies officially released their list of 23 non-roster invitees heading to Clearwater this year.

Obviously, we have the headliners in Andrew Painter, Justin Crawford, and Aidan Miller heading to major league camp, but there’s a bunch of other names on the list that we’ll check out below.

Phillies invite 23 non-roster players to MLB Spring Training

The Phillies have invited the following 23 players to attend major league spring training as non-roster invitees: pic.twitter.com/iUaTuT5Tpg

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) January 14, 2025

The Headliners…

Justin Crawford, OF

If you’re not hyped about Justin Crawford yet, now’s the time. Crawford, the Phillies’ No. 3 prospect, is coming off a monster 2024 season where he won the Paul Owens Award as the organization’s top hitter.

Crawford is coming off a standout 2024 season in the Minors. He began the year with the High-A Jersey Shore BlueClaws, hitting .301 with six home runs, 27 stolen bases, and plenty of highlight-reel moments over 70 games. He was promoted to Double-A Reading on July 12 and didn’t miss a beat, batting .333 over 40 games with three homers and 15 more stolen bases.

His impressive .317 batting average ranked sixth among all Minor League players with at least 400 at-bats this season, underscoring his ability to make consistent contact and wreak havoc on the basepaths. Crawford’s success has earned him the title of #3 prospect in the Phillies’ system and the #53 prospect in all of baseball, according to MLB Pipeline.

With elite speed, smooth defense, and a bat that screams potential, Crawford is making noise. He’s not cracking the big-league roster just yet, but a strong showing in Clearwater could fast-track his rise to Citizens Bank Park.

Aidan Miller, INF

Circle his name, underline it, and throw some exclamation points on it—Aidan Miller is the real deal. The Phillies’ top prospect and MLB’s No. 26 overall, Miller has the tools to be a franchise cornerstone. His bat is a thing of beauty, his glove is slick, and he’s not afraid of the spotlight (see: his All-Star Futures Game nod last year).

He’s probably still a year away, but don’t be shocked if Miller puts on a show this spring.

Andrew Painter, RHP

All eyes are on Painter. After two years away from competitive baseball following Tommy John surgery, Andrew Painter wasn’t supposed to wow anyone in the Arizona Fall League. The Phillies simply wanted him to show up, stay healthy, get some innings under his belt, and build toward 2025. Painter didn’t just meet expectations—he absolutely dominated the AFL, walking away with Pitcher of the Year honors in the process

At 21, the towering right-hander obviously has potential and the Phillies are still very high on him working out in the future. Dave Dombrowski did mention that Painter wouldn’t be throwing a ton until mid-season, but watching him work his way back this Spring will be one of the most compelling storylines out of Clearwater. If Painter can meet expectations on his way back to being a dominant pitching prospect, the Phillies’ rotation of the future could be scary good.

Veterans to Watch...

José Cuas, RHP

Cuas is your classic journeyman with something to prove. With 132 major-league appearances and a knack for inducing ground balls, he’s the type of reliever who could sneak his way onto the Opening Day roster. If Cuas can show consistency this spring, he’ll be in the mix for a bullpen spot.

Nick Vespi, LHP

Need a lefty who’s been there, done that? Vespi fits the bill. With a career 3.88 ERA in the majors and a knack for handling high-leverage situations, Vespi could be a reliable option for late-inning matchups.

Nabil Crismatt, RHP

Crismatt’s name might not jump off the page, but his 2.57 ERA in a short stint with the Dodgers last year suggests there’s still some gas left in the tank. He’s a long shot, but in a sport where bullpen depth is everything, don’t count him out.

The Dark Horses…

Gabriel Rincones Jr., OF

Rincones might not get the same buzz as Crawford, but his Eastern League All-Star season at Double-A was no joke. The outfielder brings power, speed, and a reliable glove to the table. If injuries or slumps hit the big-league roster, Rincones could sneak into the conversation.

Tristan Garnett, LHP

A late bloomer with a nasty streak, Garnett posted a 2.87 ERA last season while holding opponents to a .197 average. He’s not a household name, but his strikeout potential makes him a sleeper pick for the bullpen.

Otto Kemp, INF

Kemp isn’t flashy, but his numbers speak volumes—.881 OPS across four levels in 2024 and a killer showing in the Arizona Fall League. Kemp’s versatility makes him a valuable depth piece, and he could turn heads with a strong spring.

Clearwater’s Proving Ground…

Spring training isn’t just a warm-up for the stars—it’s a proving ground for the next wave of talent and a chance for veterans to extend their careers. This year’s group of non-roster invitees has a little bit of everything: future All-Stars like Crawford and Miller, comeback stories like Painter, and under-the-radar contributors like Garnett and Rincones.

For the Phillies, who are chasing another postseason run, the depth and development on display in Clearwater will be crucial. Don’t be surprised if one or two of these players force their way into the conversation for 2025 and beyond.

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