The Philadelphia Phillies have invited three top prospects to spring training as non-roster invitees. Phillies’ top pitching prospect, Andrew Painter, along with top position player prospects Aidan Miller and Justin Crawford, are non-roster invitees. MLB Pipeline ranks Miller as the organizations best prospect with Painter ranked second and Crawford ranked third. Miller is the 26th-ranked prospect in baseball, according to MLB Pipeline. Furthermore, according to MLB Pipeline, Painter is the 32nd-ranked prospect in baseball. Crawford is the 53rd-ranked prospect in baseball, according to MLB Pipeline. All three players are former first-round picks.
Phillies Call Up Their Best Prospects for Spring Training
Highly Ranked Pitcher Expected To Make MLB Debut In 2025 Invited
Painter being included as a non-roster invitee is interesting given the workload management plan for him. In the lead-up to the 2023 season, Painter pitched in spring training. Painter likely would have made the major league roster that year if he had not gotten injured during that spring training. During that 2023 spring training, Painter made one appearance, pitching two innings. Painter is expected to join the major league roster at some point during the 2025 season. Additionally, the Phillies have expanded their starting pitching depth this offseason. This helps to ensure that Painter does not need to be rushed to the major leagues.
In 22 minor league appearances in 2022, Painter had a 6-2 record with a 1.56 ERA and 155 strikeouts. Painter recorded a 2.02 FIP and a 6.20 strikeout-to-walk rate that season. In the Arizona Fall League this offseason, Painter had a 2-0 record with a 2.30 ERA and 18 strikeouts in six appearances. Painter was named Arizona Fall League Pitcher of the Year as well. Of these three players, Painter is the most likely to have a significant impact on the 2025 major league season. Painter is viewed as a top contender for the 2025 NL Rookie of the Year Award as things currently stand.
On The Rise Position Players Invited To Spring Training
It is slightly surprising to see the Phillies invite Miller to spring training. Miller is not projected to reach the majors until the 2027 season. Last season in the minors, Miller had a .261/.366/.446 line with 11 home runs and 60 RBI in 102 games. Miller recorded a 133 wRC+ and 24 stolen bases in the minors last season. Across three minor league levels last season, Miller had a 21.6% strikeout rate and a 12.1% walk rate. Miller has primarily played shortstop in the minor leagues. There has been some speculation that Miller could move to third base when he reaches the majors. However, depending on timing, Trea Turner could move positions if Miller were to remain at shortstop.
Crawford being invited to spring training is not surprising. Current projections have Crawford reaching the majors in 2026. In 110 minor league games last season, Crawford had a .313/.360/.444 line with nine home runs and 61 RBI. Crawford recorded a 130 wRC+ and 42 stolen bases in the minors last season. Across two minor league levels, Crawford had an 18.7% strikeout rate and a 6.4% walk rate last season. Crawford won the Paul Owens Award as the Phillies best position player prospect for the 2024 season. In the minor leagues, Crawford has played center field but not at either corner outfield position.
Main Photo Credits: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
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