Name: Eduardo Tait
Position: C
Born: 8/27/2006
Bats/Throws: L/R
Height/Weight: 6’0″ 175lbs
How Acquired: International Free Agent (2023 Class)
Signed: 1/15/2023
Bonus: $90,000
Options Remaining: 3
Rule 5 Eligible: 2027
MiLB Free Agency: 2029
Stats
Prospect Rankings
Role: First Division Regular
Risk: Extreme – Tait hit the ball very hard for a 16 year old in 2023, and he does look like he should stick behind the plate long term. However, he is physically mature for a teenager, but with many of the same hit tool concerns as a teenager, and while he should stick at catcher, he doesn’t currently project to be a plus defender.
Summary: Tait was not the biggest money signing of the Phillies 2023 class (just $90,000), but he was getting some buzz even before he signed. He was one of the youngest, if not the youngest, players in pro ball last year, beating the signing cut off by less than a week. He is definitely larger than his listed height and weight, and while fairly physical now, there look to be ways to shape his body positively as he grows up. The bat is the special thing for him. He hit the ball hard all year, and while he probably can get the ball in the air a bit more, he mostly hit laser line drives. His swing is fairly simple, with great bat speed and good bat control. His approach at the plate is inconsistent, and he will show some patience in one plate appearance and then hack a bit more in the next. He swung and missed a bit in the zone because of this as well. Given his age and experience level, the negatives are not fatal flaws, but they will be watch points, and gaining consistency at the plate will definitely be a focus for him. The lack of age and experience is evident on defense. He looks stiff and mechanical at times, particularly in how he receives and frames. He has a strong arm, and he controlled the running game. He should improve with repetition, but he doesn’t have a feel for the position that stands out for his level. There is a chance that his bat outpaces his glove and the Phillies have to leave him at certain levels for the glove to catch up. There is also a chance that his offense suffers as he shoulders more catching burden. Given his production at his age, Tait has that special look, and if he can repeat his 2023 in 2024 he may establish himself as one of the top catching prospects in the minors.
2024 Outlook: The Phillies will bring Tait stateside in 2024 and he should play in Extended Spring Training and then the Florida Coast League, where he will likely be the youngest in the league.
Role: First Division Regular
Risk: Extreme – Tait hit the ball very hard for a 16 year old in 2023, and he does look like he should stick behind the plate long term. However, he is physically mature for a teenager, but with many of the same hit tool concerns as a teenager, and while he should stick at catcher, he doesn’t currently project to be a plus defender.
Summary: Tait was not the biggest money signing of the Phillies 2023 class (just $90,000), but he was getting some buzz even before he signed. He was one of the youngest, if not the youngest, players in pro ball last year, beating the signing cut off by less than a week. He is definitely larger than his listed height and weight, and while fairly physical now, there look to be ways to shape his body positively as he grows up. The bat is the special thing for him. He hit the ball hard all year, and while he probably can get the ball in the air a bit more, he mostly hit laser line drives. His swing is fairly simple, with great bat speed and good bat control. His approach at the plate is inconsistent, and he will show some patience in one plate appearance and then hack a bit more in the next. He swung and missed a bit in the zone because of this as well. Given his age and experience level, the negatives are not fatal flaws, but they will be watch points, and gaining consistency at the plate will definitely be a focus for him. The lack of age and experience is evident on defense. He looks stiff and mechanical at times, particularly in how he receives and frames. He has a strong arm, and he controlled the running game. He should improve with repetition, but he doesn’t have a feel for the position that stands out for his level. There is a chance that his bat outpaces his glove and the Phillies have to leave him at certain levels for the glove to catch up. There is also a chance that his offense suffers as he shoulders more catching burden. Given his production at his age, Tait has that special look, and if he can repeat his 2023 in 2024 he may establish himself as one of the top catching prospects in the minors.
2024 Outlook: The Phillies will bring Tait stateside in 2024 and he should play in Extended Spring Training and then the Florida Coast League, where he will likely be the youngest in the league.