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Meet the 2025 Philadelphia Phillies: RHP Max Lazar

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Mike Ostrowski | Last updated Mar 10, 2025 2:30 PM ET

The 2025 MLB season is almost upon us and is a crucial year for the Philadelphia Phillies. Fresh off an NL East title but a subsequent loss in the NLDS, the Fightins are once again hunting for Red October and an elusive third World Series Championship.

Over the next few days, we'll take you through each player with a chance at making the Phils' active roster and discussing expectations for all of them. Next up is...

Name: Max Lazar

Number: 60

Position: Pitcher

Throws: Right

Build: 6'1", 200 lbs.

Age: 25

Acquired: Signed as Minor League Free Agent in 2023-24 Offseason

Socials: Instagram

2024 Stats: 0-0, 4.61 ERA with nine Ks, two BBs, and a .278 opponent OBP over 11 relief appearances (13.2 IP) with the Phillies. He spent most of the year in the minor leagues, with a 1.87 ERA, 56 Ks, and 10 BBs in 37 games (43.1 IP) between AA Reading and AAA Lehigh Valley.

2025 Projections: Lazar has struggled mightily in Spring Training, so the Phils optioned him to AAA to start the season. His MLB experience so far has been in a mop-up role, and Taijuan Walker is expected to hold a long relief spot in the bullpen already. Unless the Phillies cut their losses with Walker - who is still owed $36 million between this and next season - or some other bullpen arms struggle or get injured, it'll be a little while before Lazar makes his way back up to Philly. Also, remember that he'll be competing with higher-profile prospects in Lehigh Valley - such as Mick Abel and Seth Johnson - to be first in the call-up line.

Highlights from Last Season: