The Phillies have traded for right-hander Zac Houston from the Rays, as reported by Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times (X link). According to Topkin, the trade was prompted by the Rays’ surplus of pitchers in Triple-A, leading to Houston being displaced due to the team’s preference to allocate more innings to younger pitchers.
#Rays have made a small trade, sending minor-league reliever Zac Houston to #Phillies for cash consideration. With a crowded staff at @DurhamBulls, trade gives Houston a better chance to pitch at AAA.
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) March 23, 2024
Houston, aged 29, has spent his entire professional career in the minor leagues, initially drafted by the Tigers in the 11th round of the 2016 draft (Interestingly, Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski had already left the Tigers almost a year before Houston’s draft selection). Predominantly serving as a reliever, Houston boasts a career 3.18 ERA over 305 2/3 minor league innings, albeit posting a higher 4.81 ERA in 101 innings at the Triple-A level.
Despite an impressive 35.46% strikeout rate, Houston struggles with a significant 12.86% walk rate throughout his minor league career. This issue with control has persisted since the beginning of his professional journey, with his walk rate escalating as he ascended through the minor league ranks. However, his remarkable ability to generate strikeouts presents an intriguing opportunity for the Phillies’ pitching development staff. With some refinement, Houston could become a valuable asset in the bullpen if he can improve his control to even an average level.
