Noah Song’s time with the Philadelphia Phillies appears to be over. The team announced on Saturday that they have designated Song for assignment, giving them until Tuesday’s Trade Deadline to attempt to trade him. If no trade is made, the Phillies can place him on waivers on Wednesday, with the waivers clearing on Friday.
The decision to designate Song for assignment was made with the team’s postseason aspirations in mind. Phillies president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski, explained that it would be difficult for the team to carry Song as the 13th pitcher on the roster while trying to make a playoff push. Dombrowski also mentioned that the roster spot would be valuable down the stretch.
Song, who was selected by the Phillies in the Rule 5 Draft in December, had been one of the team’s most intriguing stories this season. Despite not having pitched competitively since 2019 due to his commitment with the Navy, the Phillies took a chance on him because of his impressive numbers in 2019. Song had a 1.06 ERA in 17 innings with Class A Short-Season Lowell.
Earlier this year, Song had been stationed in Jacksonville, Florida, training as a naval flight officer. However, his service was transferred to the select reserves in February, allowing him to resume his baseball career.
Following his return to baseball, Song was placed on the injured list in March with lower back tightness. He later moved to the 60-day IL. During his rehab assignments in the minor leagues, Song struggled, posting a 7.36 ERA in eight appearances. Despite showing glimpses of his potential, Song was deemed too unpolished to contribute to a postseason-contending team.
Additionally, Song would have needed to be on the Phillies’ 26-man roster for at least 90 days to remain with the team beyond this season, further complicating his situation.
While the Phillies had discussions with non-contending teams about a potential trade for Song, nothing materialized. It remains to be seen if any team will claim him on waivers before the Trade Deadline. If not, it might be easier for a rebuilding team to stash Song in their bullpen for 90 days.
Dombrowski expressed uncertainty about what the future holds for Song, but he mentioned that he wouldn’t be surprised if a scenario unfolds where Song clears waivers and the Boston Red Sox do not take him back.
As Song’s journey with the Phillies likely comes to an end, it remains to be seen where his baseball career will take him next. The coming days will determine whether he finds a new team or returns to the Red Sox, the team that originally drafted him in 2019.