3 Phillies prospects who might not survive Winter Meetings trade frenzy

Philadelphia Phillies fans are yearning for some action. On the cusp of the MLB Winter Meetings, apprehension is only building as we wait for the first big move of the offseason. President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski and the front office have been quiet thus far, but that's just how they operate.

Eventually we'll see something happen, whether it's a big free agent signing (or re-signing) or a trade that shakes up the roster. With work to be done on the outfield and probably some moves coming in the bullpen, the Phillies have prospects to trade this winter.

While everyone is fairly confident that Dombrowski won't part with his top three prospects, right-hander Andrew Painter, shortstop Aidan Miller, and outfielder Justin Crawford, there are plenty of other names the Phillies can choose to deal if it will help improve the major league club.

There's no guarantee that the Phillies will be part of the trade frenzy in Orlando over the coming days. But just in case, here are three prospects who might not survive the action if Dombrowski and company start unloading the farm system in Winter Meetings trades.

3 Phillies prospects who might not survive Winter Meetings trade frenzy

Aroon Escobar, 2B

With the Phillies' 2025 first-round draft pick Gage Wood likely not available in trade, second baseman Aroon Escobar becomes the top prospect trade chip. Ranked as the Phillies' No. 5 prospect, the 20-year-old Escobar opened some eyes this season and was named the team's breakout player by MLB Pipeline.

He played the majority of this season in Single-A Clearwater, slashing .285/.377/.452 with 11 home runs and 10 steals in 69 games. The Phillies challenged him with a July promotion to High-A Jersey Shore where his numbers dipped to .256/.348/.369. He hit four home runs and stole 14 bags in 46 games for the BlueClaws.

Despite struggling in a small five-game sample at Double-A Reading at the end of the season, Escobar remains in intriguing young talent with all of his skills grading above average. Being a few years away from the big leagues makes him expendable for the Phillies who want to win now.

Dante Nori, OF

Behind Crawford, 21-year-old Dante Nori is the Phillies' top outfield prospect, ranked No. 6 by MLB Pipeline. The 2024 first-rounder played most of his first professional season in Single-A, slashing .262/.363/.381 with 37 stolen bases. Despite boasting plus-run and fielding tools, Nori hasn't quite found his power yet, hitting just four home runs in 109 games with the Threshers.

Drafted as an older high schooler, Nori came to the Phillies with a reputation of having a very advanced plate approach. He showed some of that during his brief 11- and five-game stints at High- and Double-A, respectively, at the end of the season. Overall, the speedy above-average outfielder slashed .261/.361/.372 with 53 steals over 125 games.

Nori impressed in his limited Arizona Fall League play, hitting .308/.386/.436 with 12 hits, one home run, two doubles and seven RBIs in 39 at-bats. His home run was a blazingly fast 14.76-second inside-the-park job.

Keaton Anthony, 1B

While outfielder Gabriel Rincones Jr. and right-hander Jean Cabrera are higher-ranked trade bait, Keaton Anthony has a better chance of being included in a package. Playing first base, the Phillies' No. 15 MLB Pipeline prospect is blocked, basically forever, by Bryce Harper.

Blessed with one of the top hit tools in the Phillies system, the undrafted Anthony impressed in 2025, slashing .323/.378/.484 this season between Double- and Triple-A. Because of high ground ball and line drive rates, he hit only six home runs in 82 games, despite upping his hard-hit rate to 36.3 percent.

A Gold Glove winner in 2024, the 24-year-old could be offered as a piece of any package, although the Phillies might have a hard time selling a corner infielder without proven home run power.