Phillies Sign Levi Stoudt: Minor League Deal Details

Philadelphia Phillies fans have a new arm in their minor league system: right-hander Levi Stoudt agreed to a deal with the team, as first reported by Ari Alexander of 7News Boston WHDH.

A Former Prospect Seeks a Second Chance

The Phillies are taking a flier on a pitcher who once showed considerable promise.

• Stoudt, 28, was a third-round pick in 2019 by the seattle Mariners.
• He underwent Tommy John surgery and missed the 2020 season.
• Despite flashes of potential, his ERA has climbed in recent years.
• The Phillies’ deal offers Stoudt a chance to rebuild his career in a new organization.

Stoudt’s journey has been marked by both promise and setbacks. Originally selected by the Mariners in the third round of the 2019 draft, the righty faced a significant hurdle when he required Tommy John surgery, sidelining him for the 2020 season. He returned to the mound in 2021 and pitched 168 2/3 innings across Seattle’s minor league system over the next year and a half, posting a 4.32 earned run average with a 23.7% strikeout rate and 8.3% walk rate.

A pivotal trade in July 2022 sent Stoudt,along with three other players,to the Cincinnati reds in exchange for pitcher Luis Castillo. The Reds added him to their 40-man roster in November of that year to protect him from the Rule 5 draft. Though, his time in Cincinnati didn’t pan out as hoped. In 10 1/3 major league innings in 2023, he allowed 11 earned runs, and struggled at Triple-A, posting a 6.23 ERA over 82 1/3 innings with a 15.1% strikeout rate and a concerning 13% walk rate.

Did you know? – Tommy John surgery, a ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction, is increasingly common among pitchers. Recovery typically takes 12-18 months, and success isn’t guaranteed.

The Reds designated stoudt for assignment during the 2023-24 offseason. He was subsequently claimed off waivers by the Mariners, then released again. The Baltimore Orioles briefly claimed him in june, but then passed him through waivers in July.Over the 2024 and 2025 seasons, Stoudt’s minor league ERA stood at 5.83, with an 18.5% strikeout rate and 11.4% walk rate.

What’s the upside for the Phillies? Minor league deals carry minimal risk, and stoudt’s age suggests he could still refine his skills.

Despite his recent struggles,Stoudt retains an option year,giving Philadelphia the adaptability to move him between Triple-A and the majors. Moreover, with only ten days of big league service time under his belt, he could be controlled for years to come if he rediscovers his form-though a significant turnaround would be necessary to reach that point.

Pro tip – Waiver claims are a common way for teams to acquire players.The team with the lowest waiver priority gets first chance to claim a player, offering a low-risk chance.

Clarification of Changes & Answers to Questions:

* Why: The Phillies signed Levi Stoudt hoping to revitalize a once-promising pitching prospect who has struggled in recent years. They are taking a low-risk chance on his potential.
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