Philadelphia Phillies Acquire Hard-Throwing Pitcher From Royals

March 24, 2025 ,

The Philadelphia Phillies added a power arm to their bullpen on Sunday, claiming right-handed reliever Carlos Hernández off waivers from the Kansas City Royals. 

Hernández, 28, was designated for assignment after failing to make Kansas City’s Opening Day roster, following a tough spring in which he allowed eight runs and walked five batters over 10.1 innings. 

Despite his recent struggles, the Phillies saw value in his upside—his fastball averaged 97.9 mph in 2024, ranking among the fastest in the league. “We’re always looking to add velocity and depth,” a Phillies official said. “Carlos gives us both.”

Hernández pitched to a 3.30 ERA in 27 appearances last season with the Royals, but his control remained an issue, posting a 1.69 strikeout-to-walk ratio. 

Once a top international signing for Kansas City, Hernández has bounced between starting and relief roles since debuting in 2020. The move to the bullpen last year brought modest success, though a 12.4% walk rate and poor Triple-A numbers left his future with the Royals uncertain. 

Kansas City ultimately exposed him to waivers as part of a series of roster cuts that also included demoting Nick Pratto and Nelson Velázquez to Triple-A Omaha.

To make room for Hernández on the 40-man roster, the Phillies designated right-hander Tyler Phillips for assignment. Phillips was a feel-good story early in 2024, posting a 1.80 ERA across his first 25 MLB innings—including a complete-game shutout—but faded late in the year and finished with a 7.59 ERA. 

With Ranger Suárez likely starting the season on the injured list and Taijuan Walker needed in the rotation, Hernández figures to begin 2025 as one of the final bullpen arms for Philadelphia. 

He is out of minor league options, so the Phillies will need to keep him on the roster or risk losing him again.

Photo Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Go To: NFL Rumors | NBA Rumors | NHL Rumors