After two long seasons away from the mound, Andrew Painter has made a remarkable comeback, positioning himself as one of baseball’s most exciting prospects. The 19-year-old Phillies pitcher has been named a top candidate for the National League Rookie of the Year Award by MLB Pipeline, a testament to his immense talent and determination.
Painter, the former first-round draft pick, was on track to join the Phillies’ rotation as a teenager in 2023 before an elbow injury required Tommy John surgery, sidelining him for two seasons. Now fully recovered, he’s showing the ace potential that has Phillies fans buzzing.
A Stellar Return in the Arizona Fall League
In his return to competitive action this fall, Painter was dominant in the Arizona Fall League. Pitching for Glendale, he posted a sparkling 2.30 ERA across six starts, striking out 18 batters over 15 2/3 innings while issuing just four walks and surrendering one home run. His performance showcased the elite stuff that has made him one of the top pitching prospects in baseball.
High Expectations for 2025
MLB Pipeline’s Jim Callis and Jonathan Mayo recently unveiled their Rookie of the Year contenders on the MLB Pipeline Podcast, with Callis ranking Painter as the third-best NL candidate for the award. While an innings limit is expected in 2025 as the Phillies carefully manage his workload, Painter’s raw talent and maturity on the mound could make him a game-changer for Philadelphia.
A Rare Talent for the Phillies
Painter’s rise offers the Phillies a rare opportunity to develop a homegrown ace. Outside of stars like Aaron Nola and Cole Hamels, Philadelphia has struggled to produce impact starting pitchers from their draft picks. Painter, with his top-of-the-rotation potential, has the chance to change that narrative.
Drafted 13th overall in 2021, Painter quickly ascended through the minor leagues, finishing 2022 in Double-A with a dominant 1.56 ERA across three levels. Though injuries derailed his progress, his youth and resilience keep him poised for a bright future.
While Painter faces stiff competition for the 2025 NL Rookie of the Year — with Nationals outfielder Dylan Crews topping most lists — he’s undoubtedly a player to watch. His emergence could provide a major boost to an already formidable Phillies pitching staff.
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