The Top Pitching Prospect In Baseball Belongs To The Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies have not had an elite prospect since Aaron Nola‘s debut back in 2015.

Well, it seems like they have found their next ace in waiting.

In the first round of the 2021 MLB Draft, the Phillies selected right-handed pitcher Andrew Painter.

He has recently been voted the top pitching prospect in all of baseball.

Congratulations to @Phillies No. 1 Prospect Andrew Painter (@Andypainterr) on being voted Top Pitching Prospect and Best Pitchability in the 2023 MLB Pipeline Executives Prospect Poll! pic.twitter.com/4CwLOyYitO

— Phillies Player Development (@PhilsPlayerDev) January 12, 2023

It is rare for the Phillies to have an elite prospect.

Despite many years of top draft picks over the last decade, most of their picks have not mounted into much.

The likes of Mickey Moniak and Adam Haseley are both first-round picks no longer with the team.

But, the Phillies have seemingly hit with Painter.

Across three levels last season, the righty threw 103.2 innings, with 155 strikeouts and 25 walks.

His ERA was a minuscule 1.56.

The most impressive aspect of Painter is his command, he does not give up free passes.

In Double-A, Painter walked two batters in 28.1 innings.

Seeing that type of command in a 19-year-old is rare.

Painter has shown enough in the minor leagues to know he is close to making his MLB debut.

It would be a surprise not to see him pitching for the Phillies at some point next season.

While it is unlikely that Painter starts the season with the big league club, he should be up within the first few months.

The Phillies have the luxury of being patient with Painter because of the depth of their rotation.

Adding Taijuan Walker to Zack Wheeler, Nola, and Ranger Suarez gives the Phillies four good starters.

Painter will be the one to fill the fifth and final spot when he is ready.

It is time for Phillies fans to get excited about the future ace of their team.