Six Prospects Who Can Help the Phillies in 2026

Phillies President Dave Dombrowski stated on October 16th, “I’m not going to declare that anybody has a job, but there will be some people that we’re really open-minded to being with our big-league club next year coming out of spring training…Justin Crawford is one of them.”

The knock is his 63% ground-ball rate, but he makes up for it with a 40.7% hard-hit rate, which is above the MLB average. Crawford is projected to be in Citizens Bank Park as an everyday or high-leverage platoon outfielder in 2026, unless a nightmare scenario occurs.

Andrew Painter — RHP

Andrew Painter remains the club’s golden goose, but for how long? When healthy, Painter’s ceiling is that of a top pitcher in baseball. However, the 2025 season marked his first time pitching post–Tommy John surgery. He finished 2025 with a 5–8 record across Double-A and Triple-A, spending most of his time at Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Pair that with a 5.26 ERA and 129 hits allowed over 118 innings pitched — not ideal. Control and durability have not yet returned for the top prospect.

“He used to have great command; it wasn’t quite as good this year. Typical with Tommy John, that’s the last thing to come back,” said Dombrowski on October 16th.

If Painter struggles, it will throw a massive wrench into the team’s future plans. Even on a conservative timeline, he is among the few in the system who could become vital in 2026. The organization will be cautious; if he returns to regular form, he’s a star. If not—oh no.

Aidan Miller — SS/3B

Aidan Miller remains the top bat among Phillies prospects. The infielder has a rare combination of plate discipline and power that was on full display in Lehigh Valley. He spent 2025 climbing the ladder, finishing with encouraging on-base rates and stolen base numbers in Double-A and Triple-A action.

“He stole over 50 bases. I never would have anticipated he had that type of speed,” Dombrowski said after the 2025 season. “He actually gained speed, which is unusual.”

Some evaluators don’t think Miller can stay at shortstop at the MLB level, although the Phillies disagree for now. If he plays great baseball early, there’s a possibility of platoon action with the Phillies at some point. The perfect scenario is as a full-time player. However, the lack of strong infield bats and everyday depth could speed up his timeline.

Gabriel Rincones Jr. — OF

Gabriel Rincones Jr. is a left-handed bat with plus raw power and a rapidly rising profile. Drafted in the third round in 2022 and now performing at Triple-A, he has shown he can slug for extra bases and has a chance to provide impact. His 2025 minor-league numbers (18 HRs, 73 RBI, .240 BA, .799 OPS) underline his potential. If health and consistency issues are ironed out, he’s a strong candidate for a bench or part-time role in 2026. Rincones could also help the Phillies as trade bait. He will be kept safe from the Rule 5 draft, which he is eligible for.  

“Depending on what the Phillies do with their outfield this offseason, Rincones could come to camp with a chance to win a job as a platoon guy in one of the corners,” said Matt Gelb, who covers the Phillies beat for The Athletic.

Griff McGarry — RHP

Pitching prospect Griff McGarry is a blessing for the Phillies. After an unexpected breakout in 2025, McGarry earned major recognition. His August numbers included a 1.80 ERA over 15 innings, 27 strikeouts, a .140 opponent average, and a 0.73 WHIP in the Eastern League. He won the Paul Owens Award, which is given to the Phillies Minor League Pitcher of the Year. Otto Kemp, now a Phillies mainstay, got the same honor for his bat. Griff McGarry could be trade bait. He will likely be kept safe from the Rule 5 draft, which he is eligible for.

“Top 5 Stuff+ Leaders of 2025:
Gavin Collyer (Rangers) – 124
Carlos Lagrange (Yankees) – 121
Griff McGarry (Phillies) – 121
Jacob Misiorowski (Brewers) – 119”

(Per Baseball America)

Gage Wood — RHP

Gage Wood was a standout before he ever became a Phillie. Known for his no-hitter in the College World Series this past June, he dominated the collegiate level. The first-round pick from Arkansas was ranked in the top five of the Phillies’ mid-season Top 30 list in August 2025.

Due to his lengthy college career, Wood likely reached his peak velocity-wise. His pro debut in early September featured two innings, five strikeouts, and one hit. Talent-wise, he’s MLB-ready; it’s his familiarity with professional competition that still needs development. The organization sees starter upside, and he could “wow” his way into innings this year—if not, 2027. All in all, he may provide high-ceiling bullpen or long-man relief help this season.