The Philadelphia Phillies still have three players on MLB Pipeline’s 2026 Top 100 prospects list.
It’s the same trio as last year — Andrew Painter, Aidan Miller, and Justin Crawford — but the order has shifted as the organization moves closer to seeing two of them become everyday big leaguers.
A New Order at the Top
Last year’s rankings placed Painter as the Phillies’ top prospect. This year, shortstop Aidan Miller takes that spot.
MLB Pipeline Top 100 (2026):
- No. 23 – SS Aidan Miller
- No. 28 – RHP Andrew Painter
- No. 53 – CF Justin Crawford
The movement reflects more than just prospect performance — it reflects timing.
Painter and Crawford are now essentially major-league ready.
Painter and Crawford Set for Opening Day
Both players are expected to be part of the Phillies’ Opening Day roster.
Painter will likely slot into the rotation as the No. 4 or No. 5 starter, while Crawford appears poised to take over as the club’s everyday center fielder.
Painter already made his first spring start since 2023, delivering two perfect innings against the Yankees. The encouraging signs weren’t just the results — his velocity, command, and health all looked strong after his long recovery period.
His next spring outing is scheduled for Saturday against the Blue Jays.
Crawford has also impressed early in camp, starting 5-for-15 with three doubles, a walk, and a stolen base.
Miller Slowed by Back Issues
While Painter and Crawford are surging toward the majors, Miller is currently playing catch-up.
The 21-year-old shortstop has been dealing with lower back soreness, the same issue that bothered him late last season. It forced him to miss the final weekend of Triple-A play and kept him out of the Arizona Fall League.
For now, Miller remains limited to throwing and rehab work.
He still hopes to appear in a spring game before camp ends, but there’s a possibility he begins the year in extended spring training in Clearwater if he isn’t ready for the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs by Opening Day.
A New Name Arrives: Francisco Renteria
The most exciting newcomer to the Phillies’ system is 17-year-old outfielder Francisco Renteria, who immediately cracked the organization’s Top 10 prospects list after signing in January.
Philadelphia gave Renteria a $4 million signing bonus after he was ranked the No. 3 international prospect in this year’s class.
According to international scouting director Derrick Chung, Renteria might be the most complete young player he has evaluated.
“I would say he probably has the best mix of tools that I’ve seen doing this over the years,” Chung said. “When we’re talking about the five tools and maybe the sixth tool of makeup… this is the best mix of tools I’ve ever seen.”
Renteria checks in at No. 5 in the Phillies’ system, though he’s still years away from the majors as he prepares for his first professional season.
Phillies’ Updated Top 10 Prospects
- Aidan Miller – SS (21)
- Andrew Painter – RHP (22)
- Justin Crawford – CF (22)
- Gage Wood – RHP (22)
- Francisco Renteria – OF (17)
- Aroon Escobar – INF (21)
- Dante Nori – OF (21)
- Gabriel Rincones Jr. – OF (24)
- Cade Obermueller – LHP (22)
- Moises Chace – RHP (22)
Other Notable Developments
Aroon Escobar and Dante Nori have been getting significant playing time in big-league camp and are both expected to open the season at Double-A.
Gabriel Rincones Jr., meanwhile, has been sidelined all spring with knee soreness, a frustrating setback after a power-filled 2025 campaign.
And right-hander Moises Chace, acquired from Baltimore in the Gregory Soto trade, will spend most of the season recovering from Tommy John surgery.
A System on the Verge of Change
With Painter and Crawford likely graduating to the majors soon, the Phillies’ farm system is entering a transitional moment.
The next wave — led by Miller and several emerging prospects — will determine whether Philadelphia can continue feeding talent to a roster built to contend.
For now, though, the biggest development may be the simplest:
Two of the Phillies’ top prospects are no longer just prospects.
They’re about to become big leaguers.
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