Phillies No. 1-ranked prospect Andrew Painter receives national accolade

Phillies top prospect Andrew Painter named Minor League Pitcher of the Year.

The Philadelphia Phillies have reasons to be excited about the future of their starting rotation — with promising prospects Mick Abel, Griff McGarry, and Andrew Painter waiting in the wings, ready to make an impact as early as next season.

Painter — the organization’s No. 1-ranked and most exciting young prospect — reached national headlines on Thursday. Baseball America named him their 2022 Minor League Pitcher of the Year.

The award is well-deserved. Only 19 years old, Painter has shown dominance at three levels of minor-league baseball in the 2022 season.

While at Single-A Clearwater, Painter pitched 38 2/3 innings — sporting a 1.40 ERA and 69 strikeouts. He held opposing hitters to a .130 average and walked just 16 batters. Painter was moved to High-A Jersey Shore in early June, and the young right-hander continued his dominance — with a 0.98 ERA over 36 2/3 innings , while striking out 49 hitters.

Painter was later promoted to Double-A Reading to face the toughest challenge of his young career. And he proved that he was ready for the task. Painter posted a 2.54 ERA over 28 1/3 innings pitched, striking out 37 batters.

What Painter has been able to accomplish this season in the minor leagues is nothing short of incredible. Painter finished the season with a 13.46 K/9 ratio. It is rare for a 19-year-old to assert dominance across several levels, so early in his professional career. He was drafted in the first round, 13th overall, in the 2021 amateur draft out of Calvary Christian High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Painter will likely be invited to big-league camp for spring training in February. While he may not make the Opening Day roster — barring any unfortunate setbacks — Phillies fans will likely have the opportunity to see him at some point next season.