With the significant signings of Jordan Romano and later Joe Ross this offseason, the Philadelphia Phillies’ bullpen appeared to be completely overhauled coming into 2025. However, this has not deterred the Phillies from adding further depth to their relief corps as crucial insurance.
The Phillies have acquired right-handed sidearmer Josh Hejka from the New York Mets in exchange for monetary considerations, according to Phillies Tailgate on X and Hejka’s player profile. Hejka had been with the Mets since 2019, when he signed a contract with their Rookie League club Kingsport.
Phillies trade for sidearmer Josh Hejka from Mets ahead of spring training
The 27-year-old reliever, who specializes in his unorthodox sidearm delivery, has put up some decent stats over four minor league seasons, compiling a 10-7 record with a 3.73 ERA and 1.34 WHIP, 54 walks, and 174 strikeouts in 193 innings pitched across 126 appearances. However, Hejka’s bright career was cut short when he had Tommy John surgery, forcing him to miss the entire year of 2023.
Nonetheless, it appears that his greatest challenge right now is not his recovery from major surgery, which he has already completed satisfactorily. Instead, the greatest impediment Hejka currently faces is the difficulties he has encountered since moving up to the Triple-A level.
Despite reaching the highest minor league level three times in the last four years, Hejka has mostly disappointed, compiling a 0-1 record with a 10.13 ERA and 2.06 WHIP, allowing 12 earned runs on 19 hits, three walks, and eight strikeouts in just 10 2/3 innings of work over seven appearances.
Top pitching prospect Mick Abel went through a similar problem last season before spending crucial time on the development list to help him get his game back on track, and the Phillies will most likely try to do the same with the once-promising Hejka this season.
And who knows, with a few modifications here and there, Hejka might have a serious shot at breaking into the Phillies’ bullpen in the not-too-distant future.