Gabriel Rincones Jr. Promoted to Triple-A: A Scottish Baseball Success Story
Gabriel Rincones Jr., a former Edinburgh Cannon and standout of the Scottish National Baseball League (SNBL), has achieved a significant milestone in his professional baseball career. The Philadelphia Phillies have promoted the 24-year-old outfielder to their Triple-A affiliate, marking a pivotal step towards his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut. This promotion not only highlights Rincones’ personal achievements but also serves as an inspiration for baseball players across Scotland.
Rincones’ journey to professional baseball is remarkable. Born in Boynton Beach, Florida, he spent part of his youth in Scotland, where he played for the Edinburgh Cannons in the SNBL. His time in Scotland was instrumental in nurturing his passion for the game, despite the country’s limited baseball infrastructure. After moving back to the United States, Rincones honed his skills at Florida Atlantic University, where he posted impressive numbers, including a .346 batting average, 19 home runs, and 69 RBIs in his final collegiate season.
Drafted by the Phillies in the third round of the 2022 MLB Draft, Rincones faced early challenges, including a shoulder injury that sidelined him for the entire 2022 season. However, he rebounded in 2023, showcasing his power-hitting abilities across Single-A and High-A levels. In 2024, despite a thumb injury that limited his playing time, Rincones excelled at Double-A Reading, earning Eastern League All-Star honors with a .263 batting average, 11 home runs, and 20 stolen bases in 59 games.
The 2025 season has been particularly noteworthy for Rincones. Invited to the Phillies’ big-league spring training as a non-roster invitee, he made an immediate impact by hitting three home runs in just 14 plate appearances, leading the team in spring training homers at that point. His performance impressed Phillies manager Rob Thomson, who praised Rincones as “a really impressive guy” with the ability to “hit the ball all over the place.”
Rincones’ promotion to Triple-A brings him one step closer to becoming the first SNBL alumnus to play in the MLB. His journey from the fields of Scotland to the brink of the major leagues exemplifies determination and resilience. As baseball in Scotland continues to develop at pace, Rincones won’t be the only SNBL to crack the major leagues!