Phillies trade for former top catcher prospect from Guardians

The Philadelphia Phillies are World Series contenders this season, and while they didn't make too many major moves this offseason, the moves that they have made could be very beneficial ones.

With Opening Day right around the corner, the roster is mostly set. But that doesn't mean the Phillies cannot make some more additions to the roster. In fact, they're making a trade to bolster their catching depth just before the season begins.

According to Tim Stebbins of MLB.com, the Phillies are acquiring former top catching prospect Carter Kieboom from the Cleveland Guardians in a small deal.

Phillies acquire former top prospect Carter Kieboom

"The Guardians have traded Carter Kieboom to the Phillies for cash," Stebbins reported Saturday afternoon.

This isn't a massive trade or even a deal that will impact the Phillies Major League roster at the start of the season.

Kieboom, a former top prospect of the Washington Nationals before struggling in his limited Major League experience, is joining the Phillies Triple-A team after this deal.

He's a 28-year-old catcher who will be some nice organizational depth for the Phillies this season.

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With Rafael Marchan in the Majors as J.T. Realmuto's backup, and Garrett Stubbs also factoring into the equation, Kieboom is, at best, the fourth catcher.

But, after posting a solid 2025 season in the minor leagues, with a .319 batting average, nine home runs, 57 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases with an .817 OPS in 370 at-bats, there's at least some intrigue with Kieboom on the Phillies.

His Major League career hasn't gone well, as he had a .597 OPS in 450 at-bats across five seasons. This spring, he hit .160 with a .512 OPS in 25 at-bats, and likely wouldn't have made the Guardians roster.

But, instead of Kieboom being cut, the Phillies are sending the Guardians some cash to bring the former top prospect to the Phillies roster as some extra depth at the catcher position.

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