Phillies announce big roster move with Team Italy WBC star outfield prospect

The Philadelphia Phillies appear to have most of their Opening Day roster already in place, with only a couple of positions still undecided. The team could make minor adjustments, particularly regarding the final bench role and the last available spot in the bullpen, but overall, the roster picture is becoming clear as the regular season approaches.

As Opening Day draws closer, the Phillies are continuing to trim down their spring training roster, narrowing the pool of players still competing for a chance to make the Major League squad. In line with that process, the organization recently made two notable roster decisions involving a pair of promising young prospects.

These moves came shortly after the conclusion of the World Baseball Classic (WBC), and they involved two players who have generated considerable interest for different reasons. One is a 24-year-old power hitter who impressed during spring training, while the other is a highly regarded young outfielder who boosted his profile with an outstanding showing on the international stage.

The Phillies officially announced that they reassigned infielder/outfielder Felix Reyes and outfielder Dante Nori to minor league camp. While this move removes them from immediate contention for the Opening Day roster, both players left strong impressions during their time in big-league camp.

Reyes, in particular, stood out with his performance at the plate. The versatile 24-year-old posted an impressive 1.022 OPS over 30 spring at-bats, hitting three home runs while maintaining a .333 batting average. His ability to play multiple positions adds to his value, and his offensive production this spring suggests he could factor into the Phillies’ plans at some point in the near future.

However, Reyes was not the only prospect turning heads. Dante Nori, just 21 years old and a first-round pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, has also been building momentum. Though his minor league numbers in 2025 were solid rather than spectacular—finishing with a .732 OPS across Single-A, High-A, and Double-A—his recent performance in the WBC significantly elevated his status.

Representing Team Italy, Nori delivered an exceptional tournament performance. Over six games and 24 plate appearances, he collected eight hits, resulting in a .400 batting average. He also contributed one double, two home runs, six RBIs, two stolen bases, and scored three runs, while drawing a pair of walks.

Nori capped off his WBC run with an outstanding 1.185 OPS, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure on one of the sport’s biggest stages. His contributions played a key role in helping Italy make a deep run in the tournament, further highlighting his potential.

For the Phillies, Nori’s breakout showing is an encouraging sign. Performing well against elite international competition at such a young age suggests he could develop into a significant piece of the team’s future. If he carries this momentum into the 2026 season, he may quickly rise through the ranks and emerge as a serious outfield option at the Major League level.

While both Reyes and Nori will begin the season in the minors, their recent performances indicate that they could make an impact in Philadelphia sooner rather than later.

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