Relatively New to Pitching,” the 30-Year-Old Philadelphia Phillies Minor League Reliever Defies the Odds
From Long Shot to Strikeout Artist: 30-Year-Old Rookie Reliever Turning Heads in Phillies System
In a sport dominated by prospects barely old enough to rent a car, 30-year-old Daniel Reyes is a rare sight in the Philadelphia Phillies’ minor league system. What sets him apart isn’t just his age, but his remarkably short history with pitching. “Relatively new to pitching,” Reyes’ late transition to the mound has quickly gone from curiosity to success story.
A former outfielder in an independent league, Reyes didn’t take the mound until his late 20s. “I’d always had a strong arm, but never thought of pitching professionally,” he said. That changed after a scout saw him throw a 96-mph strike during a pregame warmup and asked if he’d ever tried pitching. The answer was no—until that day.
His journey has been anything but traditional. While most minor leaguers are drafted out of high school or college, Reyes came up through local semi-pro leagues in Texas while holding down a full-time job. He juggled night shifts and bullpen sessions, refining his mechanics with YouTube videos and the occasional coaching session at community college fields.
By 2023, his fastball was touching 98 mph and catching the attention of independent league scouts. That led to a brief but eye-catching stint with the Lake Erie Crushers, where he struck out 35 batters in 20 innings. The Phillies, looking for under-the-radar bullpen depth, invited him to a workout last fall. By spring, he was signed to a minor league deal.
Now stationed with the Phillies’ Double-A affiliate in Reading, Reyes has embraced the learning curve. “Every outing is a test,” he says. “I’m still catching up on what these hitters have known since high school.” But what he lacks in experience, he makes up for with raw talent and maturity. His fastball-slider combo has proven effective, and he’s posted a 2.85 ERA in his first 15 appearances this season.
Coaches and teammates alike have taken notice. “He’s got the right mindset,” says Reading’s pitching coach Luis Guerrero. “He listens, adapts, and competes. You’d never guess he’s only been pitching for a couple of years.”
Reyes’ age, once seen as a disadvantage, has become an asset in the clubhouse. While most prospects fret over development timelines and promotion windows, he’s taking things one pitch at a time. “I’m here to make the most of every opportunity,” he says. “Whether that’s in Double-A, Triple-A, or beyond, I just want to help a team win.”
His story is a reminder that baseball, with all its analytics and scouting reports, still has room for surprises. In an age where 18-year-olds throw 100 mph and pitching labs dissect every movement, Reyes offers a refreshing reminder that determination and grit still matter.
Looking ahead, the Phillies haven’t ruled out a potential promotion to Triple-A Lehigh Valley if he continues to perform. Whether or not he makes it to the majors, Reyes has already proven that it’s never too late to chase a dream—especially when you can throw…
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