Phillies Take a Chance on Two-Way Talent Andrew Bechtold with Minor League Deal
Coming up through the minor leagues, Andrew Bechtold has been a true jack-of-all-trades, playing nearly every position in the infield—even spending time as a catcher. The former 37th-round (later re-drafted in the 5th round) pick has spent years grinding in the minors, waiting for that elusive MLB debut. Now, the Philadelphia Phillies are giving him another shot in 2025, as Bechtold has signed a minor league contract with the organization.
Bechtold’s Unconventional Path to Pitching
Originally drafted as a position player, Bechtold displayed raw power, putting up solid offensive numbers in the minor leagues. In 2023, he attempted to transition into a two-way player, balancing time as a hitter while also working as a relief pitcher for the Minnesota Twins’ Triple-A affiliate. His results were mixed:
- At the plate: He hit 8 home runs in 73 games with an impressive .800 OPS.
- On the mound: He struggled, posting a 11.00 ERA in 20 relief appearances.
After that experiment, Bechtold fully committed to pitching in 2024, hoping to carve out a new path to the majors. He signed with the Toronto Blue Jays, splitting time between two minor league affiliates. Unfortunately, his transition to a full-time pitcher had its growing pains, as he finished the season with a 6.21 ERA in 33 appearances.
Phillies Take a Chance on a Hard-Throwing Arm
Despite Bechtold’s struggles, the Phillies clearly see untapped potential in the Pennsylvania native. He possesses a three-pitch mix featuring:
- Four-seam fastball – Can reach 98 mph
- Cutter – Still developing
- Slider – His primary breaking pitch
While his command remains an issue (20 walks in 33.1 innings last season), his ability to reach high velocity makes him an intriguing project for the Phillies’ coaching staff.
What’s Next for Bechtold?
Bechtold will likely start the 2025 season at Double-A Reading, where he’ll continue refining his mechanics and control. If pitching doesn’t work out, there’s always a fallback option—his bat. Given his past 18+ home run seasons (2021 & 2022), the Phillies could revisit his offensive potential if needed.
For now, Bechtold remains an interesting developmental piece, and the Phillies are giving him another opportunity to prove himself—this time, as a full-time pitcher. Whether he finds success on the mound or returns to his hitting roots, his journey is far from over.
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