Ryan Leitch

Former Phillies Catching Prospect Leitch Signs With Monarchs

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KANSAS CITY, Kan. — A former Phillies prospect and Canadian national teamer is taking his catching talents to the Kansas City Monarchs. Ryan Leitch has signed with the four-time league champions, the Monarchs announced Thursday.

Leitch, 23, is a former Phillies prospect who played with High-A Jersey Shore in 2024.

“Ryan Leitch is an exciting player with some power, international experience and the ability to contribute at the catcher position,” Monarchs manager Joe Calfapietra said. “We think he can be a good piece for us.”

Leitch and the Monarchs open their 2025 season on May 9 from Legends Field in Kansas City, Kansas. Tickets are on sale now.

The Phillies signed Leitch as an undrafted free agent out of Marshall University, where he hit .307 with 12 home runs in 53 games in 2022.

Originally from Whitby, Ontario, Leitch represented Canada in the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup in 2019. Leitch started all six games for Canada, going 4-for-21 with a home run and helping his team to a Super Round appearance. 

Leitch debuted at Marshall in 2020, when his freshman season was cut short due to the pandemic. He posted an .880 OPS over 32 games as a sophomore in 2021. 

After his strong junior year landed him with the Phillies, Leitch made his pro debut with Single-A Clearwater in 2022. He returned to Clearwater for the 2023 season, hitting .247 with a .744 OPS. 

Leitch’s most recent pro action was in 2024, where he played 16 games with High-A Jersey Shore. 

See the Monarchs’ full roster here.

About the Kansas City Monarchs

The Kansas City Monarchs are a professional baseball team in the American Association, an MLB Partner League. 2025 will be their 22nd season at Legends Field in Kansas City, Kansas. In 2020, the team partnered with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and changed their name from the T-Bones to the Monarchs in honor of the legendary Negro League franchise that played from 1920 to 1965.