The Philadelphia Phillies announced that they have signed outfielder Jordan Luplow to a minor league contract.
Robert Murray of FanSided initially reported the deal between the Phillies and the 30-year-old veteran. The deal features an invitation to major league spring training as a non-roster invitee. He was released by the Atlanta Braves this week after they signed Adam Duvall.
Luplow had produced well for the Phillies’ rival in Spring Training this year, posting a triple slash of .276/.364/.621 over 29 plate appearances in 12 games. But with his chances to make the team looking slim, the Braves opted to let him go. Now, the Phillies will bring him in as a veteran depth piece.
Phillies’ Plans for Luplow
Luplow has seven years of MLB experience, spending last season with the Toronto Blue Jays and (mostly) the Minnesota Twins. He appeared in just 39 games last season, posting .208/.322/.325 with 16 hits, 12 walks, five RBI, and two home runs.
His rate of home runs has fluctuated throughout his career, but he has consistently walked in at over 10 percent of his plate appearances.
While most of his time on defense has been spent in the corner outfield spots, Luplow has also made several appearances at first base and center field over his career. He possesses a strong arm but grades out as a roughly average defender. Phillies fans may remember Luplow for imitating Craig Kimbrel’s stance and surrendering the first MLB home run to Johan Rojas.
Luplow will most likely be slated behind Rojas, Nick Castellanos, Brandon Marsh, Cristian Pache, and Jake Cave on the Phillies’ depth chart. His plate discipline and defensive versatility will serve him well, but he’s unlikely to be a major player for the 2023 Phils.
Photo Courtesy of the Philadelphia Phillies
