Many Phillies prospects have witnessed an increase in value since MLB Pipeline’s most recent release of their revised Top 100 Prospect list.
After officially outlasting their 45-day prospect window, players who were on their teams’ Opening Day rosters have graduated to the Major League Baseball (MLB) ranks. Two players who just received large contract extensions—Jackson Chourio of the Milwaukee Brewers and Colt Keith of the Detroit Tigers—are among the notable players to leave the Top 100 list.
Time for some changes!
Here's the freshly revamped Top 100 Prospects list: https://t.co/HvY80y9UK6 pic.twitter.com/5enxy3G3wt
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) May 13, 2024
The top two hitting prospects, Aidan Miller and Justin Crawford, and top pitching prospects, Andrew Painter and Mick Abel, were among the four Phillies players in the Top 100 at the start of 2024. Three Phillies have moved up the rankings, including a new player inside the Top 50, following strong performances and the graduation of several players.
Andrew Painter, No. 20 (prev. No. 27)
Despite not having pitched a single inning in 2024, Andrew Painter has climbed into the Top 20 in the latest rankings update. The 21-year-old pitcher suffered UCL damage in July last season, necessitating Tommy John surgery. He has been sidelined since then, with his first throws occurring in January this year.
Andy Painter induces a Michael A Taylor groundout to end the frame.
Painter’s final line:
2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 1 K, 29 pitches pic.twitter.com/EjzGIPaTnW
— Florida Prospect Report (@FLProspectPod) March 1, 2023
Although Painter was highly touted, the Phillies front office and his team decided it was best for him to take the full recovery period. According to The Athletic’s Matt Gelb, it is unlikely we’ll see him pitch in 2024 as he continues his rehab (subscription required). However, this has not dampened his momentum, and the Florida native continues to earn respect from the baseball community.
Andrew Painter’s move up seven spots to No. 20 is the smallest jump among the three Phillies prospects in the rankings update. His ascent is attributed to his impressive production in his two years of professional baseball and the elite potential recognized by scouts.
The big right-hander boasts a 1.48 ERA across four levels of professional play, with Double-A being the highest. In his 26 starts, Painter has pitched 109 2/3 innings, striking out 167 batters while allowing only 25 walks, resulting in a career WHIP of 0.875.
This 20th-overall ranking is consistent with his past recognition, as he was the 13th overall draft pick in 2021. Entering 2023, he was ranked as Baseball America’s No. 5 prospect and MLB Pipeline’s No. 6 prospect.
Painter’s 70-grade fastball and 65-grade control keep him among the top pitching prospects in the league. Scouts have long noted the effectiveness of his velocity and command since his high school days.
Despite his injury setbacks, which saw his prospect status wane as newer players like the Tigers’ Jackson Jobe surged ahead, Painter is climbing back up the rankings. With other players graduating, underperforming, or still developing, Painter’s position has improved. He is well-placed to make a strong comeback in early 2025 with a fully recovered arm.