Inside The Phillies

Former Phillies Pitching Prospect Turns Heads With Performance at MLB Futures Game

The MLB Futures game this year featured an electric outing from a former Philadelphia Phillies prospect.
Kenneth Teape|
May 25, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Detailed view of a Philadelphia Phillies hat and glove in the dugout against the Atlanta Braves in the eighth inning at Truist Park.
May 25, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Detailed view of a Philadelphia Phillies hat and glove in the dugout against the Atlanta Braves in the eighth inning at Truist Park. | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

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The Philadelphia Phillies had one of their star prospects, catcher Eduardo Tait, taking part in the 2025 MLB Futures Game this year during All-Star Weekend.

Ranked No. 4 in their system according to MLB Pipeline, the 18-year old has quickly made a name for himself in the lower levels of the minor leagues and is currently playing at Single-A Clearwater.

His immense power potential has been on full display this season, already hitting 11 home runs and 19 doubles despite being younger than almost all of his opponents.

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On average, Tait is 3.1 years younger than the average player currently at the Single-A level.

Alas, his performance in the Futures Game this season wasn’t all too memorable.

He was in the game defensively for two frames behind the plate of the seven-inning contest that featured some of the brightest young stars in baseball.

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Tait had one plate appearance, grounding out during it.

While he didn’t have any memorable moments during the game, a former Phillies prospect turned some heads with his performance on the mound.

Ahead of the MLB trade deadline last year, Philadelphia traded pitcher George Klassen, along with fellow pitcher Sam Aldegheri, to the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for closer Carlos Estevez.

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It was Klassen who represented the Angels this season in the game, and he turned in a memorable outing, throwing the fastest pitch of the afternoon at 99.2 mph, as shared by Keith Law of The Athletic (subscription required).

The former Phillies prospect threw all of his pitches between 98.7 and 99.2 mph as the hardest throwing player in the game.

“With that and a short but sharp slider at 89-92, Klassen could probably pitch in the Angels’ bullpen tomorrow. I’m sorry for giving them any ideas here,” Law added.

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Given the current state of their own bullpen, Philadelphia probably wishes they still had a player of Klassen’s caliber to turn to so that they could address their relief pitching woes.

For more Phillies news, head over to Phillies On SI.

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Kenneth Teape
KENNETH TEAPE

Kenneth Teape is an alumnus of SUNY Old Westbury and graduated in 2013 with an Honors Degree in Media Communications with a focus on print journalism. During his time at Old Westbury, he worked for the school newspaper and several online publications, such as Knicks Now, the official website of the New York Knicks, and a self-made website with fellow students, Gotham City Sports News. Kenneth has also been a site expert at Empire Writes Back, Musket Fire, and Lake Show Life within the FanSided Network. He was a contributor to HoopsHabit, with work featured on Bleacher Report and Yardbarker. In addition to his work here, he is a reporter for both NBA Analysis Network and NFL Analysis Network, as well as a writer and editor for Packers Coverage. You can follow him on X, formerly Twitter, @teapester725, or reach him via email at teapester725@gmail.com.

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