Every offseason the Philadelphia Phillies, along with every other MLB team, stockpile minor-league signings to increase organizational depth. There's also the hope that maybe, just maybe one of the cheap signings will turn out to be a hidden gem and contribute to the MLB club's success.
One of the Phillies' first moves this offseason was to sign outfielder Bryan De La Cruz to a minor-league contract, with an invitation to spring training. And to everyone's delight, the once-promising Miami Marlins slugger just put together an impressive winter ball season in the Dominican Winter League (LIDOM).