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3 Phillies pitching prospects poised for a huge season

By Gabrielle Starr |
DAVID, PANAMA - AUGUST 19: Andrew Painter #24 of United States pitches in the 2nd inning during the final match of WSBC U-15 World Cup Super Round at Estadio Kenny Serracin on August 19, 2018 in David, Panama. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
DAVID, PANAMA - AUGUST 19: Andrew Painter #24 of United States pitches in the 2nd inning during the final match of WSBC U-15 World Cup Super Round at Estadio Kenny Serracin on August 19, 2018 in David, Panama. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
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The Philadelphia Phillies’ farm system has several pitching prospects poised to break out in 2022

After years of mediocrity, the Philadelphia Phillies‘ farm system is finally turning around.

This year, for the first time since 2017, they improved in the organizational rankings, and in the next few years, will have several elite pitching prospects debut and transform the team.

It’s worth noting that with less than a month of Minor League Baseball under their belts, each pitcher on this list is being judged on small sample sizes. That said, here are three pitching prospects to watch in 2022…

1. Andrew Painter RHP

Andrew Painter is looking great so far this season. Over his first two starts of the season with High-A Clearwater, the Phillies’ 2021 first-round pick has a combined seven shutout innings with 16 strikeouts.

The hard-thrower’s hot start (his fastball is touching 99 mph this season) is even more impressive because it’s a continuation of his 2021 performance, with four shutout starts at the rookie level.

Painter’s big-league ETA is 2025 and the sample size of his pro career so far is small, but if he continues to pitch the way he has, he might arrive ahead of schedule.

Virginia pitcher Griff McGarry (25) throws a pitch against Mississippi St. in the first inning during game eight in the NCAA Men’s College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park Tuesday, June 22, 2021 in Omaha, Neb.Miss St Virginia 007
Virginia pitcher Griff McGarry (25) throws a pitch against Mississippi St. in the first inning during game eight in the NCAA Men’s College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park Tuesday, June 22, 2021 in Omaha, Neb.Miss St Virginia 007 /

2. Griff McGarry RHP

Drafted four rounds after Andrew Painter last summer, Griff McGarry is emerging as a top talent in the Phillies organization. While he could be a starter, he’s looking more like an elite bullpen arm, with the scouting report calling his stuff “elite, plain and simple.”

An elite bullpen arm would certainly be a welcome change for the Phillies, whose bullpen tied MLB’s blown save record last season.

Over his first three innings of work this season, McGarry has struck out eight of nine batters faced, and no opponent has reached base. He’s lowered his walk rate significantly since his college days, which is key, as the Phillies already walk more than enough batters. His pro career so far is a small sample size, but it’s very encouraging to see his command improving.

We’ll let his appearance this week speak for itself…

McGarry’s ETA is 2024.

Phillies Francisco Morales
Phillies Francisco Morales /

3. Francisco Morales RHP

Ranked just below Griff McGarry on the Phillies’ top 30 list, Francisco Morales is the Phillies’ no. 10 prospect.

Another right-hander, Morales was a huge international signing during the 2016-17 period. Until this season, he’d worked as both a starter and reliever at every level of the farm, but so far with Double-A Reading this year, he’s only pitching out of the bullpen. The change seems to be working out, as Morales has a 0.00 ERA over four appearances, with 10 strikeouts.

With more professional experience under his belt, it’s likely he’ll debut before Painter and McGarry; his big-league estimate is 2023. That said, he needs to work on limiting walks.

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