How Phillies’ top prospects could factor into 2026 and beyond

How Phillies’ top prospects could factor into 2026 and beyond originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

A breath of fresh air may be what this Phillies team needs — both now and in the years ahead.

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Since the end-of-season press conference in mid-October, one theme has been constant: the Phillies know they can’t simply run it back. Big-league additions will come, but internal options also matter.

Several prospects are now positioned to impact the roster, whether that happens in Philadelphia this season or by pushing toward the top of the system.

“I love young players because they always bring energy,” manager Rob Thomson said in October.

So who are the names in the pipeline worth keeping on the radar?

The big three

SS Aidan Miller

Of the Phillies’ top prospects, Miller — MLB.com’s No. 1 in the system — is the least likely to debut in Philadelphia this season. That has more to do with Trea Turner’s presence and Miller’s development timeline than his ability.

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“When I talked to people in our organization, they feel he can play shortstop. Of course, we have an All-Star shortstop at this point,” Dave Dombrowski said. “He stole over 50 bases… he actually gained speed, which is unusual. But he could play other positions.”

Miller’s year started unevenly, then took off. He finished the season with an .825 OPS, 43 extra-base hits, 59 steals and 82 walks and then hit the ground running after a promotion to Triple-A.

The path to the majors will depend on how the big-league roster shakes out, but he’s positioned as one of the steadiest prospects in the sport.

RHP Andrew Painter

Painter is primed for a pivotal 2026. The right-hander returned from Tommy John surgery in 2025 and posted a 5.26 ERA over 26 starts — not unexpected following a two-year layoff. His arrival this season is based on one question: when the command returns, does the rest of the profile click back into place?

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The Phillies’ rotation could open the door. Ranger Suárez is expected to sign elsewhere and Zack Wheeler is unlikely to begin the season on time, leaving opportunities behind Cristopher Sánchez, Jesús Luzardo and Aaron Nola. If Taijuan Walker stays, he’ll compete for a spot — but so will Painter.

“He used to have great command. It wasn’t quite as good this year,” Dombrowski noted. “Normally, when you trace back to a lot of people that have had Tommy John, that’s the last thing that comes back.”

Painter’s five-pitch mix — headlined by a 96.6-mph four-seamer and supported by a curveball and slider with above-average spin — still profiles as a big-league starter. If spring goes well, he’ll make that case.

OF Justin Crawford

Crawford is as close to a lock for the Opening Day roster as any Phillies prospect.

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A .322 career hitter across four professional seasons, the 21-year-old just logged his best year at Triple-A: .334/.411/.452 with 34 extra-base hits and 46 steals.

With the Phils likely moving on from Nick Castellanos, Crawford has a clear path into the outfield — and Dombrowski confirmed he’s in the mix.

“In my mind, Crawford has a real strong chance to be with our club,” he told The Athletic. “We think he can play center field.”

The bat fits toward the bottom of the order and his athleticism gives him a chance to be an above-average defensive center fielder.

Names to keep an eye on

RHP Gage Wood

The 2025 first-rounder brings a direct approach. “Here’s the fastball. Hit it,” Wood said after his pro debut.

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He authored the first College World Series no-hitter since 1960 — striking out 19 — and struck out 69 in 37 2/3 innings for Arkansas during the regular season.

With poise and a four-pitch mix, his path through the system could be quick.

OF Gabriel Rincones Jr.

Added to the 40-man roster in November, Rincones ensures the Phillies won’t lose him in the Rule 5 Draft.

The 24-year-old hit .240/.370/.430 with 18 homers, 73 RBIs and his third straight 20-steal season.

Dombrowski called Rincones’ bat “a lot of pop… especially versus right-handed pitching.” A strong spring could have him competing for a roster spot if the outfield market isn’t heavy.

2B Aroon Escobar

Escobar remains one of the system’s more under-discussed prospects.

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The 22-year-old played across three levels in 2025 and delivered a .774 OPS, including .829 in 69 games at Single-A Clearwater.

A balanced skill set and experience at second and third give him a versatile profile. He’s unlikely to factor into the big-league discussion in 2026, but a breakout would align with Alec Bohm reaching free agency next winter.

RHP Wen-Hui Pan

Pan is one of the most intriguing (and least talked-about) arms in the system.

The 23-year-old missed 2025 after Tommy John surgery, but before that he posted a 2.15 ERA in 18 appearances in 2024.

His fastball grades at 65 and his splitter at 60 on MLB Pipeline’s scale, though command remains the key variable. If it ticks up, Pan becomes a legitimate 2026 breakthrough candidate.

Standout Phils in the Fall League

OF Dante Nori

Nori carried his speed-power blend into the AFL.

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After swiping 52 bags during the regular season, he added an inside-the-park homer — rounding the bases in and finished with an .822 OPS in 44 plate appearances.

Plate discipline continues to track as one of his best skills — a 91-to-99 walk-to-strikeout tally over his first two years. He projects to start 2026 at Double-A Reading.

OF Dylan Campbell

Campbell’s AFL showing was one of the biggest surprises.

After a .215/.298/.367 campaign during the season, the 22-year-old posted a 1.044 OPS in the desert while appearing at all five infield/outfield positions.

The stance adjustment he adopted (a more closed setup) translated immediately. If it holds, he’ll position himself for a strong 2026.

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RHP Jack Dallas

Dallas continues to build a compelling relief résumé.

The 26-year-old allowed one run with 15 strikeouts over nine Fall League innings, extending his pro track record: a 2.66 ERA across 179 1/3 career innings.

He finished 2025 at Double-A and is one step from a big-league look.

A date to watch

The Rule 5 Draft takes place December 10. The Phillies protected Painter, Rincones and right-hander Alex McFarlane by adding them to the 40-man roster. Several intriguing names — including starter Griff McGarry — were left unprotected, and the club would welcome them back if they go unselected.