That call up and the clear infield need on the Phillies’ roster at the time made it seem as if Lantigua would finally get his cup of coffee in the big leagues, but he lasted just three days on the roster and never appeared in a game. And now he is left to find a new team in free agency.
He seems likely to find a home somewhere, though, as he’s acquired significant experience and seems on the cusp of contributing to a major league season.
“He’s logged considerable time in the minor leagues, racking up 3,357 plate appearances across eight seasons,” Charlie Wright and Darragh McDonald wrote for MLB Trade Rumors. “Lantigua has shown elite on-base skills at every level of the minors. He’s had an OBP above .345 in each of the past five seasons. A massive walk rate has helped Lantigua reach base at such a high clip.”
With the ability to play second base, third base and shortstop, it’s clear why a contending team like the Phillies wanted to have Lantigua as a minor league option. But the team is looking to reset its infield around some win-now veteran talent and, if anything, bring in more high-priced stars to help take the team to the next level.
Ultimately, that means Lantigua will have to search for his big-league breakthrough elsewhere.
Leave a Reply