Phils Prospect Profile: LHP Matt Osterberg
LHP Matt Osterberg — 24 years old — drafted in 15th round of the 2021 draft from St Cloud State, MN
2023 Stats : Overall for the year Matt made 24 starts between Jersey Shore and Reading, went 9–6 and had a 3.52 ERA in 122.2 IP. He averaged 14.69 pitches per inning pitched and had a strong 68 % strike ratio. Made 18 starts for Jersey Shore amassing 92.1 innings pitched and had a 3.61 ERA with 76 strikeouts and 19 walks with a 1.13 WHIP. Matt was promoted to Reading on 8/5/23 and made six starts posting a 3.26 ERA in 30.1 innings. In his final three starts of the season he recorded a 1.88 ERA in 14.1 IP with a 0.63 WHIP. In June he posted a 2.35 ERA in 5 starts (30.2 IP) with 27 K’s and 4 walks, a 0.75 WHIP and a .178 BAA.
2023 Notes : a very solid season, Matt’s a throwback type pitcher, throws strikes, mixes both location and speed, reads the hitter and uses pitch ability to record outs. He led the entire minor league organization in ERA and WHIP for starting pitchers. Features a fastball (91–92 mph), cutter, slider and change up. We believe he can continue to be as effective as he was this season at the higher levels next year, has moxy and poise — just knows how to pitch.
Pitching Coordinator Travis Hergert : “Osterberg was a workhorse all season long. He’s a funky lefty that shows good command of his entire arsenal. He was durable and never missed an outing. He’s not overpowering but we did see improved average velocity on his fastball this year. We also saw big improvements with his changeup and slider, which was aided by adding a cutter this past offseason.”
2024 Projection : a return to Reading as part of the rotation is likely.
(Steve Potter is the author of www.philliesbaseballfan.com. Residing in Clearwater, Steve follows the Phillies minor leagues in person at Carpenter Complex, BayCare Ballpark or via MiLB.com game videos. Nobody is as dedicated, thorough and knowledgeable).
