The Philadelphia Phillies‘ outfielder, Cristian Pache, has long been recognized for his talent and potential. He showcased these qualities during his stints with the Oakland Athletics and the Atlanta Braves. However, he struggled to secure consistent playing time. Now, with the Phillies, Pache faces a similar challenge. Since joining the team from the A’s last season, he has been striving to demonstrate his abilities while recovering from a knee injury. As spring training progresses, Pache finds himself in a competitive battle for what could be the last bench spot, especially considering he has no minor league options remaining.
Last season, the 25-year-old participated in 48 games for the Phillies, which proved to be a valuable learning experience for him. Pache acknowledged the importance of making the most of his playing opportunities and contributing to the team’s success, even when not in the lineup every day. To enhance his performance, Pache dedicated significant effort to improving his mental game through activities such as reading books, engaging in sports psychology, and practicing meditation, as reported by Alex Coffey of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Furthermore, Pache has been diligently refining his defensive skills and honing his batting technique with the guidance of the team. He emphasized the benefit of having seasoned veterans like Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper, and J.T. Realmuto as mentors, from whom he continues to gain valuable insights. Observing their approach to hitting in the batting cage has been particularly instructive for Pache, as he seeks to learn from their successes and refine his own game accordingly.
Pache acknowledges that his future with the team is uncertain as he competes for a roster spot, and he understands that his career is at a pivotal stage. Despite the uncertainty, he remains focused on performing to the best of his abilities and making the most of the opportunities presented to him.
“I just have to play my game,” Pache expressed to Coffey. “I can’t control the decisions that the front office or the team will make. So, I’m just going to take advantage of the opportunities they give me.”
While maintaining a positive and determined mindset, Pache recognizes that his efforts may not guarantee him a spot on the roster. However, he remains committed to putting in the work and continuing to improve in hopes of securing his place on the team.
