Phillies Sign Genesis Cabrera and Trevor Richards to Minor-League Deals

The Phillies keep quietly tweaking their roster as Spring Training creeps closer. They’re adding a mix of veteran arms and some positional insurance, hoping to steady the back end of things. Let’s break down Philadelphia’s latest minor-league moves—Génesis Cabrera leads the list—and what these signings might mean for the club in 2026.

Phillies Add Left-Handed Relief Depth With Génesis Cabrera

The Phillies just signed left-handed reliever Génesis Cabrera to a minor-league deal. This move popped up on the MiLB transaction log after rumors last month. It’s not flashy, but Philly loves picking up experienced bullpen guys who can compete for innings and pad their depth chart.

Cabrera, now 29, has pitched in the majors for seven straight years. That says something about his durability and that, at least at one point, he was effective. But 2025 was rough: he posted a 6.54 ERA in 40 appearances and gave up more homers than you’d like to see.

Velocity Dip and Pitch Mix Remain Key Questions

There’s some worry about Cabrera’s velocity. Early on, he’d crank his fastball up to 97–98 mph. Last year, his sinker and four-seamer sat more around 95–96. Sure, that’s still solid for a lefty, but that little drop can matter in today’s game.

He’s not just a one-trick pony, though. Cabrera’s cutter and curveball have looked sharp before, and the Phillies seem to think there’s enough to work with. After trading Matt Strahm, Cabrera gives them another lefty bullpen arm to check out in camp.

Trevor Richards Competes for a Swing Role

They also picked up right-hander Trevor Richards, a name bullpen-watchers will recognize. Richards turns 33 in May. He’s made a living as a changeup specialist, with parts of eight big-league seasons under his belt.

His Triple-A numbers last year? Not great—a 5.19 ERA. But he did get into five MLB games in 2025, and from 2021 through 2024, he handled steady work.

Experience Could Matter in Spring Training

Richards will probably fight for a swingman or middle-relief spot this spring. His heavy changeup usage gives hitters a different look, which can help over a long season when matchups start to matter more.

Jonathan Hernández: A Former High-Leverage Arm Worth a Look

Jonathan Hernández is another interesting pickup. He used to be a high-leverage reliever for the Rangers, but injuries derailed his 2025—he managed just 12 Triple-A games.

Even so, Hernández still averaged 95.3 mph on his fastball. That’s a good sign his arm strength hasn’t totally disappeared.

Health Will Determine His Ceiling

If Hernández can stay healthy, he could move up the depth chart fast. If not, well, it’s a low-risk move for a team that knows how unpredictable bullpens can get.

Depth Additions Behind the Plate and in the Infield

The Phillies also grabbed some positional depth by signing catcher René Pinto and infielder Christian Cairo. Pinto brings veteran backup, having played in 83 MLB games from 2022–24 and hitting .231/.263/.404.

In the minors last year, Pinto showed a little more power, slashing .259/.309/.498 in 64 games. The 31% strikeout rate? That’s something to watch.

Christian Cairo Still Chasing His MLB Debut

Cairo’s still waiting for that first shot in the big leagues. He’s a slick-fielding utility guy and a former Rule 5 pick.

Last season in Triple-A, he posted a .237/.338/.331 line across 416 plate appearances. He’s got patience at the plate and can play just about anywhere on defense.

• Cabrera: Southpaw bullpen depth with some upside
• Richards: Veteran who leans on his changeup
• Hernández: High-risk, high-reward type of arm
• Pinto: Solid, experienced catching insurance
• Cairo: Utility guy who brings glove-first value

 
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