Phillies Sign First Australian Prospect of 2026

17-year-old pitcher Patrick Crotty is the first Australian to join an MLB organization this year.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:38pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the throwing motion of a young baseball player, with sharp planes of color and overlapping perspectives conveying the dynamic athleticism of the sport.A cubist interpretation of a young Australian pitcher's throwing motion captures the raw energy and potential of this international baseball prospect.Philadelphia Today

The Philadelphia Phillies have signed 17-year-old Australian pitcher Patrick Crotty, making him the first Australian player to join an MLB organization in 2026. Crotty, a right-handed pitching prospect, will start in the Phillies' minor league system and work his way up as he continues to develop.

Why it matters

The signing of Crotty represents the Phillies' continued efforts to build a strong farm system and identify international talent. Australia has produced a growing number of professional baseball players in recent years, and Crotty's signing marks an important milestone for the country's representation in Major League Baseball.

The details

Crotty, who is 6-foot-4, can reportedly throw up to 93 mph. He will begin his professional career in the lower levels of the Phillies' minor league system and work to improve his velocity and overall skills as he aims to eventually reach the Major Leagues, which may not happen until the 2030s given his young age.

  • Crotty signed with the Phillies last week.
  • He is 17 years old as of the signing.

The players

Patrick Crotty

A 17-year-old right-handed pitcher from Redcliffe, Australia who has become the first Australian player to sign a professional contract with an MLB team in 2026.

Philadelphia Phillies

A Major League Baseball team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that has been building up its prospect depth in recent years and has now signed the first Australian player of the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“Redcliffe teenager Patrick Crotty was just five years old when he pitched his first baseball in the backyard with his three older brothers. Now the 17-year-old has become the first Australian to secure a professional baseball contract for the 2026 season after signing on with the Philadelphia Phillies last week.”

— Hannah Moon, Reporter

What’s next

Crotty will begin his professional career in the lower levels of the Phillies' minor league system, where he will work to develop his skills and velocity with the goal of eventually reaching the Major Leagues, which may not happen until the 2030s given his young age.

The takeaway

The Phillies' signing of the 17-year-old Australian pitcher Patrick Crotty represents the organization's continued commitment to building a strong farm system and identifying international talent. Crotty's signing is a milestone for Australian baseball, as he becomes the first player from the country to join an MLB organization in 2026.