Aussie Pitcher Signs $850k Deal With Philadelphia Phillies

Former Sydney Blue Sox right-hand pitcher Josh Gessner has signed an $850,000 deal with the Philadelphia Phillies, according to MLB.com’s Jesse Sanchez (via Twitter).

The 18-year-old Manly junior was originally committed to Tulane University, but will now join fellow ABL players Josh Tols, Curtis Mead, Rixon Wingrove, Kyle Glogoski and Mitch Edwards in the Phillies farm system.

Team Australia General Manager and former MLB player, Glenn Williams, says he’s excited to see how far Gessner can take his talents.

“I am really happy for Josh,” Williams said.

“He put in a mountain of work to develop into the player he is and it’s great to see that hard work and dedication result in this opportunity.

“He is a great example of someone willing to explore every avenue in the pathway available to young baseball players.

“I am excited to follow his progress as he starts his professional journey.

“Josh will join a group of Aussies with the Phillies and adds to the number of young exciting players we have competing in the US professional and college systems.”

A 17-year-old Gessner appeared in two games with the Blue Sox in 2017-18, including a scoreless inning against the Perth Heat.