Another key man is embarking on a new chapter in his professional career after spending his entire time in the Philadelphia Phillies organization since being drafted in the 14th round of the 2016 MLB Draft out of Dallas Baptist University. The 29-year-old first baseman and designated hitter signed a Minor League contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday, which includes an invitation to Spring Training, after electing free agency in November.
Hall has primarily been a Minor Leaguer, apart from playing in 60 MLB games between the 2022 and 2023 seasons with the Phillies. In 2022, he showcased his left-handed power, hitting .250 with 9 home runs and 16 RBI in 42 games with the Phillies. That same year, he crushed 28 home runs in 101 games at AAA Lehigh Valley.
After Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins tore his ACL before the 2023 season, Hall got an early opportunity and started five of the team’s first six games. However, a thumb ligament tear from sliding into second base required surgery, sidelining him for three months. By the time he returned, Bryce Harper had transitioned into the first base role following his Tommy John recovery.
Despite the setback, Hall had a stellar 2023 season at AAA Lehigh Valley, hitting a career-best .311 with 18 home runs and 57 RBI in 74 games. However, his performance dipped in 2024, with a .236 average and a career-low .706 OPS (in 19 or more games) over 114 games at AAA, which prevented him from earning another MLB call-up.
The Pirates are hoping Hall can rediscover his consistency at the plate and provide much-needed depth at first base, a position that has struggled with production across the organization in recent years.
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