Felix Reyes Joins Phillies: Power-Hitting Prospect Called Up to Ignite Offense vs. Braves

The Philadelphia Phillies added a spark to their struggling offense Saturday by promoting power-hitting prospect Felix Reyes from Triple-A Lehigh Valley and optioning Otto Kemp back to the IronPigs. Reyes, 25, forced the move with a blistering start in Triple-A: he slashed .333/.345/.654 with eight doubles, six home runs and 15 RBIs in just 18 games, producing a .999 OPS that dwarfed every other right-handed bat in the system. Manager Rob Thomson hopes the righty slugger will give the lineup “a shot of energy” against left-handed pitching, an area where Philadelphia ranks near the bottom of the National League. Signed out of the Dominican Republic for just $75,000 in 2020, the 6-foot-3 outfielder/first baseman has built a reputation for jaw-dropping exit velocities and steady year-over-year improvement at the plate. Last season he captured Eastern League MVP honors at Double-A Reading, batting .335 with 34 doubles, 15 homers and a .937 OPS before a September promotion. Concerns about his glove have slowed his ascent—Reyes struggled at third base and first before shifting primarily to left field—but Thomson insists the athleticism is “better than people give him credit for,” noting clean defense through 107 innings this year. Plate discipline remains a work in progress; Reyes’ chase rate sits above 50 percent, but the Phillies are betting his ability to barrel the baseball will translate quickly. To clear a 40-man roster spot, Philadelphia released outfielder Pedro León, underscoring the club’s commitment to Reyes’ upside. If he handles sporadic at-bats and continues to mash, the newcomer could seize a permanent role—and give Citizens Bank Park another thunderous right-handed power source as the NL East race heats up.