Even though the 2026 Phillies roster is largely composed of returning and experienced players, the upcoming season is expected to feature a notable influx of young talent. This year, two promising prospects are slated for key rookie positions in Philadelphia, with additional rising stars potentially joining them shortly.
Prior to the commencement of the regular season, Phillies Nation has compiled its most recent assessment of the leading prospects within the Phillies’ farm system.
Consistent with prior iterations of this prospect compilation, the evaluations herein are derived from direct observations by Phillies Nation staff covering these athletes, thorough film analysis, discussions with scouts, coaches, and player-development staff, alongside data from reputable sources like Baseball America, FanGraphs, and MLB Pipeline.
1. Andrew Painter, Right-Handed Pitcher
Painter’s anticipated July debut in the major leagues did not occur last season; however, he appears poised to join Philadelphia at the outset of the 2026 season. His introduction is highly anticipated, given the 6-foot-7 righty’s potential to become an ace if his development aligns.
Nevertheless, this year marks a crucial period for the 22-year-old. Approximately three years have passed since his Tommy John surgery. Although he maintained his health for nearly a complete minor league season last year, he encountered difficulties with both consistency and command. While his pitches occasionally displayed brilliance, they didn’t consistently exhibit the same electric quality as before his elbow ailment. Though perfection isn’t expected from Painter as a rookie, demonstrating significant improvement in the majors and surpassing his performance from the previous season will be vital.
2. Aidan Miller, Shortstop
Miller, a former first-round draft selection, faced early challenges last year in Double-A, but he excelled over the final two months, leading to a promotion to Triple-A. At 21, his right-handed hitting displays maturity beyond his years, coupled with a selective batting approach, and he is projected to develop increased power. Initially drafted with the expectation of playing third base, that position could still be his long-term fit, especially with Alec Bohm in the last year of his contract and Trea Turner’s extended commitment. However, Miller has successfully remained at shortstop, while also demonstrating a significant threat on the base paths with 59 stolen bases in 2025.
The infielder has been managing certain back problems, a situation that certainly warrants close observation. While it doesn’t appear overly severe currently, such injuries have the potential to persist and affect a player’s career. Provided he remains healthy, Miller is anticipated to reach the major leagues by 2027, or potentially even earlier.
3. Justin Crawford, Outfielder
Crawford has demonstrated his capabilities to the fullest extent within the minor league system. Despite his unconventional approach, which frequently results in ground balls, he achieved a .334 batting average and 46 stolen bases in Triple-A last season. The time has come for him to test whether he can sustain this level of performance in the major leagues.
Throughout his first three complete minor league seasons, the outfielder has been consistently productive. However, his method of achieving this success has led some to question if it can be reproduced against more skilled pitchers and defenses. Regardless, he will be afforded ample chances in 2026, slated to begin as the Phillies’ rookie center fielder. His speed and ability to make contact would benefit their lineup, provided he can adapt as needed, and the left-handed batter exhibits remarkable plate discipline despite a lack of significant power.
While Crawford primarily played center field in Triple-A, he also saw action in left, suggesting he might be a more effective defender in a corner outfield spot. Nevertheless, he is set to be a consistent presence in center field for Philadelphia, with an opportunity to demonstrate improvements in his reads and jumps, complementing his exceptional speed.
4. Gage Wood, Right-Handed Pitcher
Wood, the Phillies’ top draft choice last summer, is a powerful right-handed starting pitcher who notably tossed a no-hitter for Arkansas in the College World Series. He possesses an excellent fastball and brings a competitive demeanor to the mound. Given that Wood started his collegiate career as a reliever and was sidelined last spring due to an injury, the Phillies will need to manage his pitching volume cautiously. Despite this, the 22-year-old has the potential for a rapid ascent through the system if the Phillies require young talent in the coming seasons.
5. Aroon Escobar, Second Baseman
In 2025, the 21-year-old Escobar launched 15 home runs across 120 games, advancing through Low-A, High-A, and Double-A within the season. Primarily a second baseman, he is also capable at third base, and he consistently reaches base while exhibiting glimpses of power. His right-handed hitting was notable in the lower minor leagues, and the 2026 season will be crucial for him to demonstrate sustained power as he moves up the professional hierarchy.
6. Francisco Renteria, Outfielder
Renteria, who signed as an international free agent this offseason, is a promising five-tool talent at just 17 years old. While he is still some distance from the major leagues, he is a right-handed hitter with considerable potential. Renteria possesses notable physical strength, a strong defensive arm, and the ability to hit for power. His professional career debut will be compelling to follow.
7. Dante Nori, Outfielder
Nori, who is currently excelling for Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic, has established himself as an effective left-handed hitter focused on making contact. He represents another significant threat on the base paths, having stolen 52 bases in the minors last season. Within the Phillies organization, he has predominantly played center field, although he is appearing in left field during the WBC. While his potential might be somewhat constrained by a lack of substantial power, Nori displays the attributes of a reliable everyday outfielder.
8. Matthew Fisher, Right-Handed Pitcher
In last year’s draft, the Phillies secured Fisher, a talent typically expected to go in an earlier round, in the seventh. He boasts an exceptional fastball and, at nearly 20 years old, exhibits greater maturity than a typical high school prospect. Fisher is expected to make his professional debut this season and commence building his pitching volume.
9. Alex McFarlane, Right-Handed Pitcher
McFarlane has transitioned to a dedicated relief role, positioning him as a potential fast-rising young pitcher for Philadelphia. The right-hander was sidelined for the entire 2024 season following Tommy John surgery but made a comeback last year, logging 80 innings in the minors as a swingman. Now solely focused on bullpen work, McFarlane possesses a potent array of pitches well-suited for a relief specialist. He could become an important depth option should the Phillies require bullpen assistance in 2026.
10. Gabriel Rincones Jr., Outfielder
Rincones, currently recovering from a knee injury, is a 25-year-old corner outfielder possessing astonishing raw power. Although he is susceptible to strikeouts, the left-handed batter exhibits significant pop, particularly against right-handed pitching. His major vulnerability lies in his complete inability to hit left-handed pitchers. He could still evolve into a highly effective strong-side platoon hitter, but likely not an everyday regular. Nevertheless, his impressive power will consistently command attention.
11. Jean Cabrera, Right-Handed Pitcher
Cabrera, a relatively small 6-foot-tall starting pitcher, is a past recipient of the Paul Owens Award who performed creditably in Double-A last year, posting a 3.81 ERA over 26 starts. The 24-year-old may not possess overwhelming velocity, but he demonstrates pitching intelligence and has managed a substantial workload. Cabrera could become a factor for the Phillies this season if the team requires additional rotation depth.
12. Moisés Chace, Right-Handed Pitcher
The Phillies obtained Chace in 2024 as part of a trade that sent Gregory Soto to Baltimore, and he enjoyed a successful period within the organization post-deadline. However, the right-hander’s 2025 season was cut short after just six starts due to Tommy John surgery. He possesses a powerful pitching arsenal and is still only 22, but for Chace, this season’s priority will be achieving full health and recovery.
13. Cade Obermueller, Left-Handed Pitcher
Obermueller, a left-handed pitcher featuring an unconventional delivery, was selected by the team in the second round last year from Iowa. As a college junior, he recorded a 3.02 ERA over 15 starts, and he has the versatility to potentially serve as either a starter or a reliever. At 22 years old, with a more refined pitching repertoire, Obermueller could be another prospect who rapidly ascends through the system.
14. Griffin Burkholder, Outfielder
Last season, Burkholder participated in only 34 minor league games due to injury and struggled during his limited time on the field. Despite this, he was a second-round selection in 2024 and continues to be an athletic 20-year-old outfielder blessed with both speed and strength. Moving forward, his focus will need to be on maintaining health and reducing his strikeout rate.
15. Carson DeMartini, Third Baseman
DeMartini began last season strongly in High-A but faced difficulties upon his promotion to Double-A. The left-handed hitter is expected to return to that level, and his ability to adapt to more advanced pitching will be crucial for the 23-year-old in 2026. Although he tends to strike out frequently, DeMartini possesses some power. Additionally, he successfully stole 45 bases in 2025. While he has had some time at shortstop in the minors, his skills are more fitting for third base.
