The latest MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 Prospects for 2024 has brought some optimism for the Philadelphia Phillies, as four of their young talents secured spots on the prestigious list. However, a divergence arises when examining Baseball America’s rankings, where only one Phillies prospect is deemed worthy of inclusion.
The quartet of Phillies making waves on the MLB Pipeline’s list consists of Andrew Painter at No. 27, Mick Abel at No. 49, Aidan Miller at No. 61, and Justin Crawford at No. 77. These rankings, while reflecting the promise within the Phillies’ farm system, also highlight the varying assessments among different baseball evaluators.
Towering at 6-foot-7 and weighing 215 pounds, Andrew Painter, a right-handed pitcher, stands out as the Phillies’ top prospect. Despite missing the 2024 season due to Tommy John surgery, Painter’s undeniable talent is evident in his impressive performance in 2022.
Congratulations to RHP Andrew Painter, RHP Mick Abel, INF Aidan Miller, and OF Justin Crawford on being named to @MLBPipeline's Top 100 Prospects list! 👏 pic.twitter.com/4s7irvAaWA
— Phillies Player Development (@PhilsPlayerDev) January 27, 2024
Starting in Single-A with the Clearwater Threshers, progressing through High-A with the Jersey Shore BlueClaws, and concluding the season in Double-A with the Reading Fightin Phils, Painter displayed remarkable numbers. His 6-2 record, 1.56 ERA, 155 strikeouts, and 0.89 WHIP underscore his elite capabilities at the minor league level.
Painter’s ranking at No. 27 on MLB Pipeline’s list emphasizes his potential, with projections suggesting a Major League debut by 2025 if he maintains his trajectory. Furthermore, Baseball America recognizes his prowess by placing him 12th on their Top 100 prospect list for 2024. This alignment between the two rankings solidifies Painter’s status as a key asset for the Phillies’ future.
Andrew Painter goes the distance!
The top-ranked @Phillies prospect strikes out 11 in a 7-inning complete game for the @BlueClaws. pic.twitter.com/HJJ5s7uZG3
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) August 7, 2022
Mick Abel, the right-handed pitcher, follows closely behind at No. 49 on MLB Pipeline’s list. Having concluded the 2023 season with the Triple-A affiliate IronPigs after starting with the Fightin Phils, Abel’s performance during spring training becomes crucial for his potential inclusion in the Phillies’ roster for 2024. With 27 starts in the past two years with Reading, Abel’s developmental journey is evident, though he faces the challenge of refining his control issues.
Abel’s 6-8 record in 131 2/3 innings with the Fightin Phils, along with a 3.52 ERA in 2022 and a 4.14 ERA in 2023 at Double-A, showcases the learning curve for this 2020 first-round pick. While Abel might start 2024 with the IronPigs for further development, a debut in the Major Leagues in 2025 remains plausible if he addresses his control concerns effectively.
Mick Abel has officially entered the Valley pic.twitter.com/LOusF2iLcF
— Lehigh Valley IronPigs (@IronPigs) September 22, 2023
Aidan Miller, the Phillies’ 2023 first-round pick, has also captured attention by securing the No. 61 spot on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 Prospects. His versatility as a third baseman and shortstop adds intrigue to his potential impact in the Phillies’ minor league system. With a notable .303/.425/.379 line in 66 at-bats over 20 games split between the FCL Phillies and the Threshers, Miller’s offensive prowess is on display.
Defensively, Miller’s transition to shortstop, his high school position, has shown improvement, culminating in a .923 fielding percentage at Clearwater. The 19-year-old’s progression in 2024, likely spent at third base, could set the stage for his future role with the Phillies.
Justin Crawford, the son of former MLB outfielder Carl Crawford and second cousin of J.P. Crawford, secures the No. 77 spot on MLB Pipeline’s list. The 20-year-old outfielder showcased substantial improvement in 2023, finishing the season with the Threshers and the BlueClaws. His notable .344/.399/.478 line in 69 games with the Threshers, coupled with 40 stolen bases, underscores his offensive and base-running capabilities.
Justin Crawford's got WHEELS! 🏃 💨
This was the No. 4 @Phillies prospect's third 3-hit game and fifth multisteal game this year for the @Threshers: pic.twitter.com/opU1I2qVAp
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) May 27, 2023
While Crawford faced a slight defensive dip in 2023, concluding with a .954 fielding percentage, his overall talent is evident. As a center fielder, Crawford has the potential to be a dynamic force in the Phillies’ minor league system, with a potential Major League debut on the horizon if he continues his upward trajectory.
The Phillies boast a promising cadre of prospects, with Andrew Painter leading the pack as the only prospect recognized by both MLB Pipeline and Baseball America. As these young talents progress through the minor leagues, the anticipation of their contributions to the Phillies’ Major League roster builds, offering fans a glimpse into the future of the franchise.
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