Just weeks removed from the 2024 MLB Awards announcements, a Philadelphia Phillies prospect was named as a player to watch for next year’s NL Rookie of the Year Award.
On a recent episode of the MLB Pipeline Podcast, Jim Callis named Phillies No. 2 prospect Andrew Painter an early candidate for the 2025 National League Rookie of the Year Award. Callis, who has an extensive resume covering MLB prospects for various publications, stated that he does not expect Painter to make the Opening Day roster but added that “he’s spectacular in shorter bursts than the other guys” who could be in contention for the award, referring to Dylan Crews, Matt Shaw and Bubba Chandler.
Phillies top prospect Andrew Painter is already a favorite for NL Rookie of the Year
Painter, 21, returned to the mound in October in the Arizona Fall League (AFL) for the first time since he underwent Tommy John surgery in 2023. In six starts, he compiled a 2-0 record to go along with a 2.30 ERA and 18 strikeouts in 15 2/3 innings of work. This dominant performance led to Painter being named the AFL Pitcher of the Year.
Despite his immediate success this fall, it is important for the Phillies to be cautious with his workload in 2025 given the extent of his injury. Callis hinted at this when he mentioned that Painter might not make the Opening Day roster as the Phillies look to work him into big league action.
Andrew Painter will have plenty of competition among National League rookies
As previously mentioned, Dylan Crews, Matt Shaw and Bubba Chandler are three names to watch this year who will look to follow in the footsteps of Paul Skenes.
Crews, 22, is the heavy favorite as he enters his first full regular season with the Washington Nationals. Taken second overall in 2023, Crews quickly made his way through the organization and ultimately received the call to the big leagues in 2024. He is currently listed as the No. 1 overall prospect by MLB Pipeline and he will serve as a major contributor for a young Nationals team.
With question marks surrounding the futures of Taijuan Walker and Ranger Suárez, Painter has an opportunity to make an impact as an immediate middle-of-the-rotation starter when he is fully healthy. At 6-foot-7 and 215 pounds, he possesses great size for a starting pitcher. Combined with his above-average velocity and pitching arsenal, he's a legitimate prospect who should be able to help the Phillies when called upon.
With the 2024 AFL Pitcher of the Year Award in the bag, Painter will look to become the first Phillies Rookie of the Year since Ryan Howard took home the award in 2005. If he can stay healthy and pitch to his full potential, he will be a name to watch come next November.