Phillies acquire hard-throwing Curet from Rays in prospect swap originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The offseason is picking up steam, and the Phillies continue to stay active — this time in the trade market.

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The club has acquired right-handed pitching prospect Yoniel Curet from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for fellow right-hander Tommy McCollum, according to The Athletic’s Matt Gelb.

Curet, 23, has had stretches of real success in Tampa Bay’s system since signing out of the Dominican Republic in 2019.

Over his first four professional seasons, the Rays’ No. 22 prospect (per MLB.com) made 81 appearances — 61 of them starts — and delivered a 2.96 ERA, 424 strikeouts across 316 innings, reaching Double-A.

Entering this past season, the Rays’ Minor League Pitcher of the Year from 2023 was ranked as Tampa Bay’s No. 2 prospect on FanGraphs.

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His 2025 season took a step back. Command issues resurfaced, leading to a career-worst 1.43 WHIP and 31 walks in 62 innings. After a strong five-start run in Double-A (1.45 ERA), Curet was promoted to Triple-A, where the struggles were more pronounced: 21 earned runs in 31 1/3 innings with a 6.03 ERA and 1.92 WHIP.

Curet features a power arsenal that fits a bullpen projection. His five-pitch mix is anchored by a 96–98 mph sinker — graded a 70 on MLB Pipeline’s 20–80 scale — along with a cutter, four-seamer, changeup and slider.

The Phillies believe the swing-and-miss traits translate, and President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski noted that the club views Curet as a reliever and a depth piece as they continue shaping the 40-man roster.

Curet — now the Phillies’ No. 24 prospect on MLB.com — was designated for assignment by Tampa Bay earlier this week and has one Minor League option remaining.

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McCollum, 26, has pitched all 165 of his professional games out of the bullpen. He owns a 3.42 ERA with 36 saves in 40 chances across five seasons since signing with the Phillies as an undrafted free agent out of Wingate University in 2021.

With potential bullpen adjustments coming in 2026, this move fits as an early step in reshaping the relief group, particularly in the middle innings.