Roster changes happen every offseason and the Philadelphia Phillies will be looking to shake things up this winter after another early postseason exit. While they'll make free agent signings, big trades are also a real possibility this offseason.
The Phillies have some young talent in their minor league system who could be used to bring in MLB-ready talent this winter. Last offseason, the Phillies dealt top prospect Starlyn Caba as part of a package to the Miami Marlins for Jesús Luzardo.
Opportunities come about for prospects during the six-month, 162-game season due to injuries or just demonstrating that they're ready to take the next step in their careers. Some young players will compete for roster spots with the Phillies during spring training. Others will continue to work on their skills with the hope of being promoted to aid a contending squad that will be aiming to win a World Series in 2026.
Which six prospects should the Phillies not trade to help extend their championship window?
6 prospects the Phillies definitely shouldn't trade this offseason to help extend their World Series window
Justin Crawford, OF
Justin Crawford excelled in Triple-A with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. He proved he was ready for a promotion to the majors throughout 2025. The No. 3 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, is seen as their left fielder of the future.
If Crawford excels in spring training, he will be on the Phillies' 2026 Opening Day roster. The outfielder received the Paul Owens Award, and Baseball America named him the club's Minor League Player of the Year (subscription required). He is ready to make his MLB debut next season.
Justin Crawford went 3-for-4 with a home run in the @IronPigs win over Buffalo! ☄️ pic.twitter.com/HXIABsTucf
— Phillies Player Development (@PhilsPlayerDev) June 26, 2025
Andrew Painter, RHP
No. 1 prospect Andrew Painter did not have the kind of season that fans envisioned, even though 2025 was his first season since 2022 of pitching in the minors after recovering from Tommy John surgery. He will compete for a spot in the Phillies' starting rotation in spring training.
However, the Phillies would be wise to have him continue his development with Lehigh Valley to begin next season. There is no reason to rush him to the big leagues with the starting rotation they have in place for 2026. The 22-year-old is still on track to make his MLB debut sometime next year.
Aidan Miller, SS
After a slow start this season, No. 2 prospect Aidan Miller broke out offensively in Double-A Reading, hitting .361 with a 1.100 OPS over his final 31 games with the Fightin Phils. The 21-year-old continued his success with Lehigh Valley with hits in seven straight contests at the end of the season. He also finished with an astounding 59 stolen bases.
All eyes will be on Miller's development in 2026. He has a future somewhere in the Phillies' infield, whether it be at shortstop, second base or third base, sometime next year or early in 2027.
Gabriel Rincones Jr., OF
Gabriel Rincones Jr. was a surprise in spring training with his power-hitting. He finished with an .800 OPS for the second consecutive season, his first in Triple-A, and posted 73 RBIs and 80 walks, the most of his three years in those respective categories in the Minors.
Rincones admitted in the spring that he needs to improve hitting left-handed pitching. But the No. 9 prospect made a strong impression on Kyle Schwarber with his offensive power earlier in the spring.
GABRIEL RINCONES JR. MOONSHOT 💣 pic.twitter.com/iBHClDIXSr
— Reading Fightin Phils (@ReadingFightins) February 23, 2025
Keaton Anthony, 1B
No. 15 prospect Keaton Anthony spent time with Reading and Lehigh Valley in 2025 after winning a Gold Glove in 2024. He finished this season hitting .323 with an .862 OPS, with 31 doubles, an improvement from his 20 last year.
Bench players Otto Kemp and Weston Wilson filled in for an injured Bryce Harper at first this season. Anthony could find himself in the mix next year, whether from injuries or offseason changes opening up a bench spot.
Felix Reyes, UTL
Felix Reyes was not one of MLB Pipeline's Top 30 Phillies prospects in 2025. However, he was in the mix for the minor league batting title, finishing with a .331 average and .924 OPS in 101 contests between Reading and Lehigh Valley. The Dominican Republic native finished with a career-high 34 doubles and 67 RBIs.
After his 2025 breakout, the 24-year-old Reyes could help out the Phillies next year or by 2027. His defensive versatility could work to his advantage if they need another bench player who can play at multiple positions, similar to Kemp or Wilson.
