While we wait to hear the status of their free agents including Kyle Schwarber, J.T. Realmuto, and Ranger Suárez, the Philadelphia Phillies recently made a new addition, quietly signing a former top pitching prospect.
After spending the first six years of his professional career with the Athletics, the Phillies signed right-hander Colin Peluse to a minor league contract for the 2026 season, per Steve Potter.
Peluse, 27, was selected by the Athletics in the ninth round of the 2019 MLB Draft out of Wake Forest University. He is coming off his best full minor league season for the Double-A Midland RockHounds where he posted a 4-1 record with a 2.64 ERA in 58 innings.
Colin Peluse brings experience as a starter and a reliever to Phillies organization
Peluse provides the Phillies with substantial experience both as a starter and a reliever across the Double- and Triple-A levels.
He has 174 career appearances under his belt, including 52 starts, most of which came in 2022. In recent years he has been used mostly as a reliever, including in late-game situations. All in all, he has a 30-16 record with a 4.34 ERA and 378 strikeouts in 427 1/3 innings of work.
Peluse has a nice pitch arsenal that features a fastball ranging from 95 to 98 mph as well as a strong slider and changeup. He has good command of his pitches, as he walked just 12 batters across 58 innings in 2025.
One big improvement in his game recently has been his ability to limit the damage done against him. He gave up 224 hits in 185 1/3 innings across 2022 and 2023, but over the course of the last two years he has given up just 99 hits in 117 innings, less than one per inning.
During his time with the Athletics organization, he rose toward the top of the prospect rankings, peaking at No. 12 in 2022, per MLB Pipeline. He was last featured on the list in 2023 when he came in at No. 29.
While this move is not the flashy signing that fans are looking forward to, it provides the Phillies with much-needed pitching depth which is at a premium. During the 2025 season, the Phillies used a total of 28 pitchers including 22 in relief situations.
Now with a change of scenery, Peluse will look to continue his steady performance in the minor leagues and ultimately achieve the ultimate goal of having an impact at the major league level.
