On the final day of the Winter Meetings, the Rule 5 Draft concluded in Orlando. The Philadelphia Phillies traded right‑hander Griff McGarry to the Washington Nationals and added new talent to both their major‑ and minor‑league rosters.
Major‑League Moves
Washington selected 26‑year‑old Griff McGarry with the third overall pick. McGarry, a fifth‑round pick from the University of Virginia in 2021, finished 2025 with a 3.44 ERA over 21 starts, primarily at Double‑A, and struck out 124 batters in 83 2/3 innings. His 13.3 strikeouts per nine innings ranked fourth among minor‑league pitchers.
The Phillies used their 12th pick to acquire 26‑year‑old Adam McCambley. McCambley spent five seasons in the Marlins’ system, moving between the rotation and bullpen. In 2020 he logged a 4.99 ERA over 39 starts. Over the past three seasons he posted a 3.23 ERA across 94 appearances. 2025 saw him post a 2.90 ERA between Double‑A and Triple‑A, striking out 83 batters over 62 innings and cutting his walk rate to 3.2 per nine innings.
McCambley’s fastball sits 92–94 mph and his slider, curveball and cutter each generate over 3,000 rpm. He is now on the Phillies’ 40‑man roster as the 34th member.
Minor‑League Phase
The Phillies added two prospects. With the 24th pick they selected outfielder Austin Murr from the Tigers’ system. Murr, 26, posted a .280/.386/.451 slash line in 72 High‑A games, with 26 extra‑base hits and 43 RBIs. He has maintained a consistent plate discipline, carrying a 192‑to‑275 walk‑to‑strikeout ratio over five professional seasons.
With the 42nd pick they acquired right‑hander Evan Gates from the Giants. Gates, 27, has worked exclusively in the bullpen for San Francisco. Over 260 2/3 innings in five seasons he has a 3.52 ERA with 307 strikeouts and 113 walks.
The only Phillie lost in the Minor‑League phase was catcher Carson Taylor, who went to Seattle. Taylor had been selected by Philadelphia in the Rule 5 Draft two winters ago from the Dodgers. He hit 16 homers in his first season with the organization in 2024 before a right labrum tear ended his 2025 campaign.
Players Staying
Six‑foot‑four outfielder Felix Reyes, 24, remains on the roster. Reyes won the Eastern League batting title in 2025, hitting .335 in 95 games for Double‑A Reading.
Key Takeaways
- Griff McGarry traded to Nationals; Adam McCambley added to Phillies’ 40‑man roster.
- Austin Murr and Evan Gates acquired in the Minor‑League phase.
- Carson Taylor moved to Seattle; Felix Reyes stays with the club.
The Phillies’ Rule 5 Draft activity reflects a focus on young pitching talent and bullpen depth while keeping promising prospects in the mix.
