The Philadelphia Phillies have found a promising young talent in right-handed pitcher Moises Chace, who has been making significant strides since joining the team. Acquired at the 2024 trade deadline from the Baltimore Orioles as part of the deal for reliever Gregory Soto, Chace has demonstrated remarkable potential as a starter. His performances in the lower leagues have caught attention, and his unique pitching style has set him apart. The Phillies are optimistic about his future, focusing on refining his skills to ensure rapid advancement.

Transitioning into a Starting Role

Moises Chace's journey with the Phillies began with a clear objective: transitioning him into a reliable starting pitcher. At just 21 years old, he was acquired during the 2024 trade deadline. While previously used both as a starter and a reliever by the Orioles, the Phillies decided to give him an extended opportunity to develop as a starter. They avoided imposing an innings limit, allowing him to build endurance and confidence. Chace quickly impressed with High-A Jersey Shore, earning a swift promotion to Double-A Reading after only two starts.

At Reading, Chace continued to shine. In four starts, he maintained a commendable 3.66 ERA, striking out 35 batters while walking just seven over 19.2 innings. This impressive performance showcased his ability to handle higher competition levels. Travis Hergert, the Phillies' director of pitching development, highlighted Chace's hoppy fastball as a key asset. Averaging 95 mph and reaching up to 98 mph, this pitch offers a deceptive approach angle due to its low release point. Batters often swing through it, missing the barrel entirely. Chace also possesses a versatile arsenal that includes a sweeper, changeup, and a newly added gyro slider. The latter, clocking in at 85 mph, provides shorter gloveside movement, acting as a bridge between his fastball and sweeper. Hergert praised these pitches as "big league stuff," emphasizing their quality and potential.

Refining Skills for Future Success

The Phillies have taken proactive steps to secure Chace's future, adding him to the 40-man roster in November to protect him from the Rule 5 draft. After spending three weeks in November building strength at the Phillies' high-performance camp, Chace is scheduled to report to Clearwater, Florida, in mid-January. The focus now shifts to refining his early-count approach, a critical aspect of his development. The team aims to help Chace create strikes more effectively, staying ahead in counts and winning early battles against hitters.

Hergert emphasized the importance of Chace's ability to stay on the attack, maintain an advantage in counts, and reach two strikes as quickly as possible. If Chace can achieve this consistency, his rise through the ranks could be swift. The Phillies believe that with continued refinement, Chace has the potential to become a formidable presence in their rotation. His unique combination of speed, deception, and a diverse pitching repertoire positions him well for future success. The organization remains committed to nurturing his talents, ensuring he reaches his full potential.