After a World Series berth and the signing of Trea Turner, the Phillies have one more big piece coming to solidify their championship push, #1 Pitching Prospect Andrew Painter. The Phillies took Painter with the #13 pick in the 2021 draft, and in his first season in the minors, he climbed from rookie ball to AA with no problem. All signs are pointing towards Painter being ready to pitch for the Phillies spring training team and potentially make his big league debut soon after.
Painter (19) was recently voted the best pitching prospect in baseball, and it’s clear why. In his first year, Painter had one of the best pitching seasons anyone has ever had at his age, posting a 1.56 ERA, 155 strikeouts, and only 25(!) walks in 103.2 innings. Baltimore Orioles #2 Prospect Grayson Rodriguez, widely considered the best pitching prospect in baseball until Painter’s upcoming, posted a 2.62 ERA with 109 strikeouts and 28 walks in 75.2 innings in 2022. Rodriguez is well on his way to the majors, and Painter is probably not too far behind him.
With Painter on the horizon for the 2023 Philadelphia Phillies, the starting rotation looks to be set in stone. It’s looking good, with Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler leading the helm as the aces, Ranger Suarez and new acquisition Taijuan Walker both excellent options at #3 and #4. Finally, Painter is rounding out the rotation of a team that’s looking to make another big playoff push.
With the signing of 29-year-old shortstop Trea Turner, it’s clear what the Phillies intentions are for 2023, a championship. The Phillies lineup is loaded with sluggers like Kyle Schwarber and Rhys Hoskins, young studs like Brandon Marsh and Bryson Stott, and of course, 2x NL MVP Bryce Harper after he returns from injury. All signs point towards a better 2023 for Philadelphia, and Andrew Painter is looking like he’s going to be a huge reason.
Great article. Looks as if 2023 will be the year for a Phillies comeback! Andrew’s going to pitch us straight into the championships.