The Philadelphia Phillies have strengthened their organizational bullpen depth by acquiring right-handed pitcher Daniel Robert from the Texas Rangers in a trade completed Thursday. In exchange, Philadelphia sent 20-year-old pitching prospect Enrique Segura to Texas.
Robert, who was designated for assignment by the Rangers earlier in the week despite having two minor-league options remaining, has been optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley by the Phillies.
The 30-year-old has primarily played in the minors but made four relief appearances for the Rangers in 2024, allowing two runs and striking out six over 5 2/3 innings.
This year with Triple-A Round Rock, Robert posted impressive numbers—two saves, 17 strikeouts in 11 2/3 innings, and a 34% strikeout rate—before being DFA’d to make room on the Rangers’ 40-man roster for Dane Dunning.
According to Baseball Savant, Robert utilizes a five-pitch mix, with a focus on his sweeper and four-seam fastball.
While Robert will initially serve as bullpen depth in Lehigh Valley, his strong strikeout numbers suggest he could eventually earn a look in the majors. The Phillies’ bullpen currently ranks near the bottom of MLB with a 5.03 ERA. The club recently transitioned prospect Seth Johnson into a full-time relief role and may see similar upside in Robert.
Segura, who signed as an amateur free agent in 2022, posted a 3.18 ERA and 19 strikeouts over four outings (three starts) with Single-A Clearwater this season.
