Unexpected Philadelphia Phillies prospect stealing spring training spotlight with power surge

The Philadelphia Phillies will be relying on three top prospects in the near future, but an unexpected name is commanding attention this spring.

Andrew Painter, Philadelphia’s first-round pick in the 2021 MLB Draft, is expected to make his long-awaited debut this summer after recovering from Tommy John surgery that cost him the 2023 and 2024 seasons. The young right-hander was penciled in as the team’s No. 5 starter as a 19-year-old before being shut down with the elbow injury that derailed his promising start.

Justin Crawford, selected 17th overall in 2022, projects as the Phillies’ future center fielder beginning in 2026. The 21-year-old speedster has gone 2-for-8 with three runs scored in four spring appearances. While his power development remains a work in progress, Crawford’s elite baserunning has produced 99 stolen bags across three minor league seasons.

Aidan Miller, who surprisingly fell to Philadelphia at No. 27 in 2023, represents the organization’s most promising hitting prospect in years. The infielder impressed across three levels in 2024 with an .811 OPS, 11 home runs, and 60 RBI in 102 games. Currently slated for minor league development, Miller appears on track for Philadelphia’s 2026 Opening Day roster.

Yet it’s third-round selection Gabriel Rincones Jr. who’s creating the most immediate buzz in camp.

Philadelphia Phillies prospect Gabriel Rincones Jr. making most of his chance at spring training

The 23-year-old outfielder has seized his opportunity this spring, going 2-for-7 with two impressive home runs in four games — including one against Toronto Blue Jays pitcher José Berríos.

The Athletic’s Matt Gelb notes that Rincones is “known for his power potential” and could be headed for Triple-A with a strong spring showing.

“Injuries have truncated his first three professional seasons. Rival evaluators have varying opinions about his potential future role, but most see him as a platoon outfielder,” Gelb reported.

This power potential is evident in Rincones’ 26 home runs across two minor league seasons. However, his path to Philadelphia faces one significant obstacle: left-handed pitching. His platoon splits are stark — a .665 OPS against lefties in 2023 plummeted to .493 in 2024. In 143 plate appearances against southpaws, he’s managed just two home runs while striking out 37 times.

For Rincones to accelerate his timeline and join the Phillies’ outfield mix, solving this left-handed puzzle will be essential. If he can make that adjustment, Philadelphia might find themselves with an unexpected contributor sooner than anticipated.