Carson DeMartini's Rapid Ascent in Phillies' Minor League System
Carson DeMartini stepped into the Reading Fightin' Phils clubhouse, absorbing the atmosphere of professional baseball. The weight room buzzed with energy, and the kitchen in the Redner's Event Center offered a glimpse of the lifestyle he had long aspired to. A glance at a photo of Philadelphia Phillies icon Chase Utley confirmed it: DeMartini's journey was on an upward trajectory.
"You got pictures of Chase Utley here behind [me]," DeMartini remarked, a grin spreading across his face. "This stuff is kind of what I was looking forward to about professional baseball."
On a night celebrating franchise legends Darin Ruf, Trevor May, and current Phillies third-base coach Dusty Wathan, DeMartini made his mark. With three hits in a 9-7 victory over New Hampshire, he reached base four times and scored twice, all in just his third game at the Double-A level. The presence of Phillies manager Rob Thomson added weight to his performance, showcasing how quickly he has adapted to the rigors of professional play.
Selected in the fourth round of the 2024 draft from Virginia Tech, DeMartini's rise has been swift. After a brief 24-game stint with Low-A Clearwater, where he posted a .315 batting average, he began the 2025 season at High-A Jersey Shore. There, he maintained a .296 average with an impressive .888 OPS over 56 games, leading to his recent promotion to Double-A Reading.
In his first three games with Reading, DeMartini has already racked up six hits in 13 at-bats, boasting a .462 average and a 1.071 OPS while crossing home plate three times. Primarily a shortstop, he has also shown versatility by playing third base in his initial outings.
DeMartini's playing style draws comparisons to Otto Kemp, who recently transitioned from Reading to the major leagues. Their connection runs deeper than mere statistics; both players trained together during spring training. "He's got a lot on his plate right now," DeMartini said of Kemp. "We spent some time hitting ground balls and hanging out in spring training a bit. He's pretty cool. He helped me out a lot. Just kind of showing me how to act like a professional."
This diligent mindset has propelled DeMartini forward. Despite his early success, he remains focused on continuous improvement. Adjustments to his swing have yielded positive results. "Kind of making more contact in the zone, that was the big kick," he explained. "For the most part, your moves are the same, but it's more of how you start and being able to allow yourself to get the bat on the baseball."
Support from fellow prospects within the Phillies organization has also played a crucial role in his development. Close relationships with players like Keaton Anthony and Aidan Miller have fostered a collaborative environment for growth.
As DeMartini navigates the challenges of Double-A baseball, he recognizes the importance of maintaining focus at the plate. "The biggest thing that I've seen is you really don't have those guys anymore that are rushing to bat racks," he noted. "You're trying to go get that bat. Every at-bat you gotta be locked in for."
While early achievements are promising, DeMartini emphasizes a grounded approach. He aims to emulate the steady progress of Kemp and Anthony by concentrating on daily improvements rather than getting caught up in statistics. "Just staying steady," he stated. "Not riding the highs and the lows. Just taking things every day and working on my craft and taking the game as the game and not looking too much into hits, strikeouts and walks. Focusing on the things that I can control."
With determination and talent, DeMartini could one day find his own image adorning the walls of the Phillies' clubhouse, just like Utley—a testament to hard work and perseverance.
