Philly, thank you. For everything.

In 2015, you believed in me and traded for me, even as I struggled with performance and injuries.

In 2018, you graciously supported me as I dealt with my struggles off the field.

(more below) In 2021, you welcomed me back, giving me a chance to play again.

In 2022, you changed my life by letting me taste the big leagues for the first time in my life. A night I’ll never forget.

Then we go on and win the National League, appearing in the WS for the first time since 09

My Honest Reality
March 19, 2023

Welcome to the 2023 baseball season.

Opening Day is around the corner. Pitchers are almost ready. Position players are locked in. Fans share the optimism a new season brings.

But this isn't just another season.

This is likely my last. Don't get me wrong, I want to play as long as I can. But when you look at the facts, it's my honest reality.

Let me explain...

When I was drafted in 2013, I was a "can't miss" prospect. Year after year, I was named a top prospect, but never performed.

Today is the last day of the MLB season.

It’s also the 4 year anniversary of my shoulder surgery that marked my decision to return (eventually) to baseball.

[Gratitude for my 2022 season👇] By October 2018, I had stopped playing baseball for over a year and had, for all intents and purposes, moved on with my life.

But I had a funny feeling that maybe I could still play at a high level if I could just be healthy.

August 5, 2022 | Allentown, PA

“You have decided the length of our lives. You know how many months we will live, and we are not given a minute longer.” Job 14:5

Friday I pitched against the Syracuse Mets. It was my worst game of the season.

[Reflections on the past 6 weeks 👇] I gave up 2 runs and only got 1 out. After the game I asked myself, “Why in the world did I pitch so poorly?”

Here’s what I learned:

When I showed up to spring training in March, I knew it was likely my last year playing baseball.

June 29, 2022
Philadelphia, PA

At 30 years old, I made my MLB debut.

When I stood on that mound in Citizens Bank Park last Wednesday, I looked around the stadium taking in this once in a lifetime moment.

And that’s all it was… just a moment.

[Reflections from my debut 👇] There were thousands before it that led me here and there will be thousands after it, leading me to only God knows where.

But there’s something special about each moment.

Something unique.
Something to be learned. Something to feel.

June 25, 2022
San Diego, CA

I’m a Philadelphia Phillie and it still doesn’t feel real…

To everyone who reached out in congratulations over the weekend, thank you. It means more than you know.

[My reflections on this past weekend 👇] Whether you’ve followed my story for a long time or you just learned about it this past weekend, you’ve recognized the twists and turns along the journey and the perseverance it’s taken to keep going.

And many of you have been inspired by it.

In my baseball career, I've set strikeout records, thrown complete games, and felt the highs of being a first rounder.

I've also intimately known the pains of injury, failure and depression.

Lately, I've been pondering the idea of suffering.

Suffering (a series), Part 1: As I reflect on the suffering in my own life, I realize how confusing it is.

No suffering is alike and the tools that helped in one season might hold me back in the next.

And while my suffering is mine, it's clear I'm not alone in suffering.

The effects are seen all around.

Career minor leaguer here.

My thoughts on minor league baseball’s problems and potential solutions: First, some caveats:

1. I signed for a lot of money and feel fortunate to not know some of the struggles personally. But I’ve seen them all firsthand.

2. Certain organizations care a lot about this and are TRYING to improve these conditions.

In 2013, I was the #1 overall pick in the MLB Draft.

5 years later, I was called “the biggest bust in MLB history.”

Today, I’m working my way back, and I’m here to share both the hard-earned lessons I’ve learned along the way🧵👇 Talent Finds a Way. Don’t Worry About Who’s Watching.

I played 2 years of high school varsity as a relief pitcher, pitching only 30 innings.

7 teammates had college commitments before I did.

Through hard work, I finally earned a @stanfordbsb scholarship my senior year.