Phillies Sign Former First-Round Pick to Minor League Deal (And Fans Will Love His Name)

The Philadelphia Phillies signed former first-round pick Seth Beer to a minor league deal.
Apr 20, 2022; Washington, District of Columbia, USA;  Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Seth Beer (28) runs out a two run double as  third base coach Tony Perezchica (3) waves home a runner during the fourth inning against the Washington Nationals   at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
Apr 20, 2022; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Seth Beer (28) runs out a two run double as third base coach Tony Perezchica (3) waves home a runner during the fourth inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images | Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

The Philadelphia Phillies are shaking up their minor league roster at the Double-A level as the baseball season continues. On Tuesday, the Phillies signed former first-round pick Seth Beer to a minor league deal. Beer will immediately report to the Phils' Double-A affiliate, the Reading Fightin Phils.

The 26-year-old Beer has spent this season with the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. In 14 games with the Ducks, Beer is hitting .239 with four home runs and 14 RBI. The former major league infielder also had three doubles and a .991 OPS.

Before Beer decided to play independent ball, the 26-year-old was a former first-round pick of the Houston Astros in the 2018 MLB June Amateur Draft.

However, Beer made his major league debut with the Diamondbacks on September 10, 2021. The former first-round pick was a part of the Zack Greinke trade in July 2019, which saw three other players sent to Arizona.

The former Clemson standout appeared in 43 combined games with Arizona between the 2021 and ‘22 seasons. He slashed a pedestrian .208/.294/.292 with four doubles, two home runs, and 12 RBI.

After spending a short time at the major league with the Diamondbacks, Beer was designated for assignment by Arizona on May 3, 2023. The ex-Arizona designated/first baseman joined the Dbacks’ Triple-A affiliate (Reno Aces), but was assigned to their Double-A affiliate (Amarillo Sod Poodles).

Last season, Beer spent time inside the Pittsburgh Pirates’ organization at Double-A Altoona and Triple-A Indianapolis. Between those two teams, Beer hit .277 with 12 home runs and 54 RBI.

The former first-round pick has a long way to go back to the majors, but maybe he can build off what he did in independent ball, while making some noise with the Fighting Phils, who have a 9-21 record through 30 games.

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