Pache, 24, is out of minor league options and will be on the Opening Day roster for the Phillies. It could mean either Jake Cave or Dalton Guthrie, who earned roster spots during spring training, start the season in Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
The former top 100 prospect has hit .156 with four home runs across parts of three major league seasons. The center fielder was traded to the Athletics from the Atlanta Braves prior to the 2022 season and had a career-high 241 at-bats.
Pache provides above-average defense, recording an outs above average of eight last season. He has experience playing all three outfield positions at the major league level.
The Phillies will likely use Pache as a late-inning defensive replacement. Since trading Matt Vierling to the Detroit Tigers during the offseason, the Phillies have been searching for a right-handed outfielder to back up Brandon Marsh.
While he has not lived up to his potential as a prospect, the Phillies hope they can unlock more from Pache on the offensive side. If he improves at the plate, he could earn at-bats against left-handed pitching. Regardless of his offensive performance, Pache will serve as the team’s best defensive substitution.
Sullivan, who is headed to Oakland in return, recorded a 4.59 ERA across 51 innings in Double-A Reading last season. The right-hander has a career minor league ERA of 3.98.
