Phillies manager suggests Andrew Painter could make Opening Day roster

Fans could see top Phillies prospect Andrew Painter in the majors next season.

With the acquisition of starting pitcher Taijuan Walker, the Philadelphia Phillies have a stacked rotation. However, they might pivot to their homegrown talent in search of a fifth starter.

A 19-year-old phenom who has only played one full year in the minors, No. 1-ranked Phillies prospect Andrew Painter had his name mentioned by Rob Thomson at the Winter Meetings:

These comments should be considered speculation, but it is promising to see Painter is already getting major-league consideration at such a young age. His 2025 ETA on MLB.com should be taken with a grain of salt, as the expectation is that he will start the year at Triple-A — even if he cannot make the 26-man roster after spring training.

If Painter does not start the year with the Phillies, there is still a strong chance he will be in the majors next season — as an injury replacement or September call-up.

Painter has already been recognized nationally on many platforms, being ranked as MLB’s No. 24 prospect. The 13th pick of the 2021 Draft was spectacular in all three levels he competed in last season, combining for an otherworldly 1.56 ERA.

Not only is Painter supposed to be the next stud pitcher in Philadelphia, but his style seems very mature for his age. For a 6-foot-7, hard-throwing teenager, his control is off the charts. He walked only two batters in 28 1/3 innings in Double-A Reading, the highest level of competition he has faced thus far. Control is normally an issue for young, blooming pitchers, but this does not seem to be the case with Painter.

Painter might not make the rotation at all next year, but there is a possibility that he could pitch in relief if that is the case. The Phillies front office will have to decide if they want to spoil his service time, but if he can positively contribute to the team next year, there is no reason that he should not get a look.