The Philadelphia Phillies have decided to take a calculated, low-risk gamble in free agency by bringing in a pitcher who has spent much of his professional career trying to find stable footing at the highest level of the sport. On Tuesday, the organization agreed to terms with right-handed pitcher Levi Stoudt, a move first reported by Ari Alexander of 7News Boston. While the signing is unlikely to generate major headlines or immediate expectations, it represents another example of how teams like the Phillies quietly search for pitching depth and potential upside in overlooked or previously struggling arms.
Stoudt, who most recently pitched within the Baltimore Orioles’ organization, enters the Phillies’ system at a crossroads point in his career. At 28 years old, he is no longer considered a prospect in the traditional sense, but he is also not far removed from the early promise that once made him an intriguing draft selection. Standing six feet one inch tall and throwing right-handed, Stoudt fits the physical profile of a typical major league pitcher, though his professional journey has been anything but typical.
Originally selected in the third round of the 2019 MLB Draft by the Seattle Mariners, Stoudt entered professional baseball with solid expectations. Being chosen that high in the draft usually signals that an organization sees real potential, whether in a pitcher’s raw stuff, mechanics, or long-term projection. For Stoudt, however, progress did not come easily. Early in his career, he underwent Tommy John surgery, a significant procedure that repairs damage to the ulnar collateral ligament in a pitcher’s elbow. While the surgery has become increasingly common and often successful, it still represents a major setback, especially for young players trying to establish themselves in professional baseball.
Recovering from Tommy John surgery takes time, patience, and a great deal of physical and mental effort. For Stoudt, the procedure slowed his development and disrupted what should have been critical early years of growth in the minor leagues. As he worked his way back, he faced the challenge of rebuilding arm strength, refining command, and reestablishing confidence on the mound—all while competing in a system filled with other pitchers vying for attention and advancement.
Despite these challenges, Stoudt remained on the Mariners’ radar long enough to become part of a significant trade. In 2022, Seattle sent him to the Cincinnati Reds as part of the package for veteran pitcher Luis Castillo. While Stoudt was not the centerpiece of that deal, being included in such a trade suggested that he still held value as a potential contributor or depth option. Trades like that often provide players with a fresh opportunity, a new coaching staff, and a different organizational philosophy that can sometimes unlock improvement.
Stoudt eventually reached the major leagues for the first time in 2023, fulfilling a goal that many professional players chase for years but never achieve. His MLB debut came with the Reds, and although simply reaching that level was an accomplishment, his performance did not solidify his place on a big-league roster. Over 10.1 innings pitched, he allowed 11 runs, a stat line that made it difficult for him to stick around. Small sample sizes can be misleading, but at the major league level, opportunities are limited, and results matter quickly.
Following his brief time in the majors, Stoudt’s career continued to move in a nomadic direction. In 2024, the Mariners claimed him off waivers, bringing him back to the organization that originally drafted him. That reunion, however, was short-lived. Seattle eventually waived him once again, and the Orioles stepped in to claim him, adding another chapter to his already winding professional path. For pitchers like Stoudt, this kind of movement is not uncommon. Teams are constantly shuffling the back ends of their rosters, searching for arms that might benefit from a tweak, a new role, or simply better luck.
Over the past two seasons, Stoudt’s performance in the minor leagues has been mixed at best. He has posted a combined earned run average of 5.83, a number that reflects ongoing struggles with consistency and effectiveness. While ERA alone does not tell the entire story of a pitcher’s performance, it does indicate that he has had difficulty preventing runs at a level below the majors. Two persistent issues have followed him throughout his career: a lack of strikeouts and a tendency to issue too many walks.
Neither of those traits is ideal for a pitcher trying to establish himself, particularly in an era where strikeout ability is highly valued. Pitchers who miss bats are better equipped to escape jams and limit damage, while excessive walks often lead to inflated pitch counts and scoring opportunities for opposing teams. When a pitcher struggles in both areas, the margin for error becomes extremely thin. For Stoudt, this combination has made it difficult to stand out or earn extended opportunities.
That said, baseball careers are rarely linear, and not all progress is immediately visible in statistics. At various points throughout his professional journey, Stoudt has had supporters within organizations who believed there was still something to work with—whether it was his raw stuff, his work ethic, or the possibility that adjustments could lead to better results. The Phillies now join that list of teams willing to see if they can help him take a step forward.
From the Phillies’ perspective, the signing represents a minimal-risk investment. Players in Stoudt’s situation typically sign minor league contracts, often with invitations to spring training or opportunities to compete for depth roles. There is little financial downside, and if the player does not show improvement, the organization can simply move on. On the other hand, if Stoudt finds a way to sharpen his command, improve his strikeout rate, or settle into a specific role, the Phillies could gain a useful arm for their system.
It is widely expected that Stoudt will begin the upcoming season at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, where he will likely serve as starting pitching depth or potentially transition into a bullpen role if the organization sees fit. Triple-A is often the final proving ground for players on the fringe of the majors, and strong performance there can quickly lead to a call-up, especially over the course of a long season when injuries and fatigue inevitably affect major league staffs.
For Stoudt, this contract is about more than just numbers on a stat sheet. It represents another opportunity to keep his baseball career moving forward at a time when many players find themselves running out of chances. Professional baseball can be unforgiving, particularly for pitchers who struggle to produce consistent results. Each new organization brings renewed hope but also heightened urgency.
As he joins the Phillies’ system, Stoudt will focus on doing what he has done throughout his career: making adjustments, staying healthy, and competing for every inning he can get. Whether that leads to another stint in the majors remains uncertain, but the opportunity is there. In a sport where depth matters and careers can change quickly, even modest improvements could open the door to a return to the big leagues.
Ultimately, the Phillies’ decision to sign Levi Stoudt is a reminder of how teams continuously search for value on the margins. While stars dominate headlines, organizations also rely on lesser-known players who provide depth, flexibility, and occasional surprises. For Stoudt, this latest chapter offers a chance to rewrite his story, prove doubters wrong, and see if persistence can finally pay off with another shot at the highest level of baseball.
