4. Hans Crouse RHP
Hans Crouse was a top prospect in the Texas Rangers system who found himself in a trade package with big-league arms Kyle Gibson and Ian Kennedy at the 2021 deadline.
He’s already made his debut, starting two games for the Phillies for a total of seven innings of big-league work. His 5.14 ERA doesn’t tell a fair story, due to the minuscule sample size; Crouse allowed four earned runs on four hits, including two home runs.
Crouse was a strikeout machine in the Arizona Fall League, K-ing 24 batters over 16 innings. However, once again, he’s a Phillies pitcher who walks too many batters; he walked nine over those 16 innings, and walked seven over his seven big-league innings. He’ll be trying to earn a big-league roster spot out of Spring Training this year, so keep an eye on him.
MLB ETA: 2022
3. Andrew Painter RHP
Andrew Painter was the Phillies’ first-round pick in 2021, and he’s already high on their prospects ranking.
The former Gatorade High School Player of the Year boasts a four-pitch repertoire and a mid-90s velocity on his fastball. The 6’7 righty is only 18 years old, but he impressed in his first professional games, posting a 0.00 ERA over four starts in rookie league ball this season. His command was excellent: 12 strikeouts and no walks issued over six total innings of work.
Painter’s debut can’t come soon enough.
MLB ETA: 2025