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21 hours ago
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The Philadelphia Phillies were once again eliminated from World Series contention early, except this time, the loss was a lot more dire. Multiple key contributors are hitting free agency, while others are getting older and showing signs of regression.
But there's reason to still be confident in the team in 2026. Even if a few key players depart, the Phillies have a strong core and could also get some major additions to the MLB club in the offseason, but not in the form of trades or signings.
As Todd Zolekci of MLB.com highlighted, three prospects could play huge roles for the team in 2026. Those three top prospects could save the Phillies from regressing in 2026 and inject some life into a defeated ball club after multiple brutal playoff exits.
The three Phillies prospects who can save the 2026 season
Three noteworthy prospects could make their MLB debuts in 2026 and play major roles for the Phillies. Those prospects are pitcher Andrew Painter, outfielder Justin Crawford, and infielder Aidan Miller.
Of the three, the one most likely to make the Opening Day roster is Crawford. Dave Dombrowski alluded to the team letting Max Kepler walk this offseason in favor of Crawford, indicating that the young outfielder could earn a day-one role for Philadelphia.
"I'm not making any proclamations on anybody," Dombrowski said. "Max Kepler, I think, did a solid job for us. Well, he's not going to most likely be back because he's a free agent, and you have Justin Crawford."
Crawford hit .334 in Triple-A in 2025 and played strong defense in the outfield to go with 46 stolen bases. He may not have power, but Crawford is a very intriguing player for the Phillies to add to their lineup in 2026.
The next most likely player is Painter. He was making a case for the MLB roster in 2025, but after some struggles in the minors, a 5.26 ERA in 26 starts in his first year back from Tommy John surgery, Painter didn't make it up to the Majors.
With Ranger Suarez likely on his way out and Zack Wheeler likely missing the first few months of the year, Painter could be a big factor in the team's rotation at the start of the year.
Painter is the Phillies' top prospect and is ranked 16th overall by MLB Pipeline. The 22-year-old is a very intriguing prospect who could be another elite arm in the Phillies' rotation. The only question is whether he'll be ready for Opening Day after missing the entire 2023 and 2024 seasons due to injury.
More: Phillies' Dave Dombrowski shares four-word message on Nick Castellanos trade rumors
Lastly, Aidan Miller is the most fascinating decision the Phillies could make. Crawford and Painter were potential call-ups in 2025, but Miller wasn't expected to get the MLB call-up with Bryson Stott, Alec Bohm, and Trea Turner locking up the infield spots.
But, with Bohm back on the trade block, Miller could get the call to the big leagues as the team's full-time third baseman. He's primarily a shortstop, but he could also play second or third base if needed.
Miller in 2025 had a remarkable season. In 116 games between Double-A and Triple-A, he hit .264 with an .825 OPS, the highest mark of his minor league career. But more impressively was his improvement defensively, and a sudden surge in stolen base ability, as he swiped 59 bases in 2025.
All three of these Phillies prospects are deserving of 2026 call-ups, with Crawford the most likely to be on the Opening Day roster. But, with the Phillies in need of some life, all three of these young prospects could be the exact change needed to avoid regression from the Phillies.
It's a lot on their plates, but Crawford, Painter, and Miller are all top prospects and could be up in the Major Leagues in 2026 to play massive roles for a team looking to win a World Series before this window closes.
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