Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson was in Reading on Friday for the 16th annual Holiday Benefit Luncheon hosted by The Law Foundation of Berks County and PICPA (Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs) at the DoubleTree Hotel.
At the event which hosted around 500 attendees, the Sidney D. Kline Jr. Award for outstanding community service was presented to Gregg and Becky Shemanski. Proceeds from various silent auction and raffle basket items went to benefit youth and legal services programs in Berks County.
Before speaking at the luncheon, Thomson met with members of the media about the organization’s offseason plans and potential prospects that could have an impact in 2025.
Thomson focused on filling holes in the bullpen and assessing the starting rotation.
“We've lost a couple of right-hand relievers, so we need to fill that spot for sure,” Thomson said. “That would be one thing. The other thing is, Taijuan Walker is going through a heavy weighted-ball long toss program in Arizona, and it's to hopefully increase his velocity. If he can do that, we can get him back to who he was when we signed him. That would be really successful for him and that would really make us a much better club.”
Thomson also said that while teams rarely stay the same from year to year, there are no immediate plans for major moves away from the current squad. However, the interest is there from other teams given the talent on Philadelphia's roster.
“The mix is always going to be changed; you never come back to the same 26 guys,” Thompson said. “And really we're not shopping anybody, but we have a lot of interest in our players, because we have good players. In order to make a deal, you've got to have a partner and want to make sure that you're getting quality back to enhance whatever part of the club that you think you needs improvement.
“So are we looking to make major moves and upset the apple cart? No, not really, but around the edges, I think you're always making changes.”
In addition to speaking on the offseason, Thomson also expressed his positive outlook for several top prospects, some of whom spent significant time with the Reading Fightins in 2024.
Justin Crawford, the recipient of the Paul Owens Award that is presented to the Phillies’ top minor league player and pitcher, had a strong 40 games in Reading after being promoted from High-A Jersey Shore.
During his time with Reading, the 20-year-old outfielder ranked first in the Eastern League in batting average (.333), was tied for second in hits (55) and stolen bases (15), tied for third in doubles (11), fifth in OPS (.835), sixth in slugging percentage (.455), tied for seventh in total bases (75), eighth in on-base percentage (.380) and tied for eighth in RBI (26).
Crawford, who led all Phillies minor leaguers in hits, is currently ranked as the No. 3 prospect in Philadelphia’s farm system.
Overall in 2024 between Jersey Shore and Reading, Crawford batted .313 and had an .804 OPS with 79 runs, 140 hits, 25 doubles, four triples, nine home runs, 61 RBIs and 42 stolen bases.
“Crawford is really a talented guy,” Thomson said. “He can run, defend, and I think he's going to get stronger, and the power is going to be there. I'd like to see him walk a little bit more so he can utilize his speed. But he's still young. Whether (or not) it's this year, he's certainly going to make an impact at some point in the future.”
Gabriel Rincones Jr., a 23-year-old outfielder, also had a strong year in Reading and earned praise from Thomson. In 59 games with the Fightins, Rincones Jr. batted .263 and had a .844 OPS with 35 runs scored, 59 hits, 15 doubles, one triple, 11 home runs and 29 RBIs as well as 20 stolen bases.
“I saw him (Rincones Jr.) when I went out to the Arizona Fall League,” Thomson said. “He’s a guy that's got a blend of power and speed and is a really good guy, a really intelligent player, and wants to be the best. I think he's got a high ceiling. I think he's going to be a really good player in the big leagues.”
Andrew Painter could provide a perfect addition to the starting rotation as the 2025 season rolls on. Painter, a right-hander, was named the 2022 MLB Pipeline Pitcher of the Year before an elbow injury in 2023 forced him to miss the 2024 season after Tommy John surgery.
Like Rincones Jr., Painter has had a promising fall in Arizona. Painter looks to be due for a solid return to action and a fast rise to the major leagues in 2025.
“I saw Painter in the Arizona Fall League,” Thomson said. “He threw three innings and it was just like a man amongst boys, really. His velocity was up, threw a lot of strikes. He got ahead, put people away. The breaking ball is really sharp. And for a guy that is coming off Tommy John this early in the rehab process, the way he was throwing the ball was really impressive, and I think probably ahead of schedule.
“I think at some point this year, he's got a really, really good chance of impacting our major league club.”
Regardless of who will make an impact for the Phillies in 2025, the goal of hard work leading to another deep postseason run, is paramount for a team filled with a passion that radiates in the clubhouse as well as the stands.
“I get a little emotional when I talk about it because you're with these guys every day and you really appreciate what they do on a daily basis,” Thomson said. “Not many people understand that players are getting to the ballpark at noon, or at 1 for a 7 game. All the work that they put in, all the work that the staff puts in, all the work that the coaches put in, and then you have goals; and you start reaching these goals at the end. All the blood, sweat and tears that you put into this thing … It's just so much fun.
“Our guys really know how to have fun and how to enjoy it and how to celebrate it. It's just a great group. It really is so much fun.
“I don't think there's anything that compares to CBP (Citizens Bank Park) in the playoffs. It's as loud as I've ever heard it, but it's how long it lasts. From the first pitch to the last pitch. They're standing, cheering and booing the other team, and maybe they're booing us, but that's the passion.
“I love the passion; it’s just a great atmosphere. It really is nothing I can compare it to.”