DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JUNE 24: A detail of the Philadelphia Phillies logo on a hat during the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on June 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
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The Philadelphia Phillies will be looking to revamp their roster where they can this winter, but the options are limited.
Several key positions will be occupied by returning veterans like Bryce Harper, Trea Turner and Aaron Nola. And the team seems likely to bring back a pair of free agents to reclaim their own long-held spots in JT Realmuto and Kyle Schwarber.
As a result, the Phillies seem most likely to adjust the outfield, bullpen and perhaps a few infield spots. And as they look to do so, they are clearing some space on the roster.
“INF Rafael Lantigua was outrighted to Lehigh Valley (AAA) and is now a free agent,” the team announced on X, formerly Twitter. “The Phillies 40-man roster is now at 30 players.”
The team’s decision on Lantigua cleared some space to reinstate pitchers Zack Wheeler and Daniel Robert from the 60-day injured list. But it was a harsh outcome for the veteran infielder after he was called up to the big-league roster in September to fill in for the injured Turner, Alec Bohm and Edmundo Sosa.
That call up and the clear infield need on the Phillies’ roster at the time made it seem as if Lantigua would finally get his cup of coffee in the big leagues, but he lasted just three days on the roster and never appeared in a game. And now he is left to find a new team in free agency.
He seems likely to find a home somewhere, though, as he’s acquired significant experience and seems on the cusp of contributing to a major league season.
“He’s logged considerable time in the minor leagues, racking up 3,357 plate appearances across eight seasons,” Charlie Wright and Darragh McDonald wrote for MLB Trade Rumors. “Lantigua has shown elite on-base skills at every level of the minors. He’s had an OBP above .345 in each of the past five seasons. A massive walk rate has helped Lantigua reach base at such a high clip.”
With the ability to play second base, third base and shortstop, it’s clear why a contending team like the Phillies wanted to have Lantigua as a minor league option. But the team is looking to reset its infield around some win-now veteran talent and, if anything, bring in more high-priced stars to help take the team to the next level.
Ultimately, that means Lantigua will have to search for his big-league breakthrough elsewhere.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/peterchawaga/2025/11/07/phillies-infield-veteran-leaves-team-after-harsh-move/
