Catcher Cam Gallagher and the Philadelphia Phillies are in agreement on a minor league deal. According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, the deal includes an invitation to big league spring training. Gelb added that Gallagher is already in camp with the team. The 31-year-old Gallagher has appeared in parts of seven big league seasons, the first of which was spent with the Kansas City Royals.
The move is a strategic one amidst concerns over Rafael Marchán‘s early setback at camp. It will sideline the young catcher, throttling the Phillies’ need for depth behind the plate.
Cam Gallagher Links with the Phillies
From 2019-2021, Gallagher was the primary backup to All-Star Salvador Pérez. In that span, Gallagher hit .251/.315/.364 in 118 games. On defense, Gallagher provided strong framing numbers with an impressive +11 Defensive Runs Saved with Kansas City. The Royals dealt Gallagher to the San Diego Padres near the 2022 trade deadline. Although, he didn’t appear in a big league game for the Padres as the Baltimore Orioles got him off waivers in September. Gallagher was then outrighted off the Orioles 40-man roster after the season with no appearances.
That led him to sign a minor league deal with the Cleveland Guardians last January. Gallagher made the Opening Day as one of two backup options to Mike Zunino on the club’s bench.
Gallagher’s Time in Cleveland
Gallagher saw playing time with the Guardians, continuing to flash defensive excellence behind the plate. He provided +5 Framing Runs per Statcast and +7 DRS. Unfortunately, his glove work came with a lack of production at the plate. Gallagher hit .126/.154/.169 in 149 plate appearances. Those brutal numbers at the plate led the Guardians to designate Gallagher for assignment back in November.
Phillies Have Options Now
The Phillies now have a quality, glove-first depth option behind J.T. Realmuto and Garrett Stubbs. With the addition of Gallagher, the Phillies now shield themselves from further injuries during camp that would thin out their catching depth. If Gallagher can show the Phillies what his glove can do and improve his offense, he could be a great depth piece as they look to return to the postseason for a third consecutive year.
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