Francisco Loreto
Position: C/3B
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 178 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
Born: 06/21/2007
Country: Venezuela
Signed: International Free Agent, 2024 (Phillies)
How Acquired: Trade (with Phillies)
Bonus: N/A
40-man Roster: No
Rule 5 Eligible: 2028
Minor League Free Agency: 2030
Options Left: 3
Overview
The Phillies originally signed Loreto as a catcher, but after his first season they moved him to third base. The Pirates acquired him in a trade for Chase Shugart, whom they had designated for assignment. Early on, it appeared they’d move him back behind the plate.
2024-25
In his debut season in the DSL, Loreto caught 11 games and played second once, but he mostly served as a DH. He had a .680 OPS with passable walk and K rates. He threw out only three of 29 base stealers. The next season, in the FCL, the Phillies moved him to third base, where he played regularly. He showed some power, with five home runs, and overall hit 237/332/396. He had a 10% walk rate and 24% K rate. In the field, Loreto had a pretty alarming total of 23 errors in 44 games.
Stats
Transactions
January 15, 2024: Signed by the Philadelphia Phillies as an international free agent.
January 13, 2026: Traded by the Philadelphia Phillies to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Chase Shugart.