The Philadelphia Phillies have leaned heavily on veteran talent during their recent run of success.
But in 2026, that formula may finally shift.
Two of the organization’s most anticipated prospects — Andrew Painter and Justin Crawford — are no longer just future pieces. They are expected to play meaningful roles this season, and according to a trusted MLB insider, their impact could be significant.
Expectations Are Rising Quickly
Both Painter and Crawford have built strong résumés in the minor leagues, and their performances this spring have only added to the excitement.
Now, as Opening Day approaches, expectations are climbing.
Jayson Stark of The Athletic didn’t hold back when discussing the pair during a recent radio appearance. His comments reflected both excitement and a clear understanding of how much upside each player brings.
Painter’s Ceiling Still Turns Heads
Painter’s path to this point hasn’t been straightforward.
Once considered the top pitching prospect in baseball, he underwent Tommy John surgery before the 2023 season, delaying his arrival and raising questions about how his stuff would translate upon return.
Even now, there’s still some uncertainty.
Stark noted that Painter may not yet look exactly like the dominant arm scouts raved about a few years ago. But flashes of that version are still there — and they’re hard to ignore.
“If he gets it together,” Stark said, “he’s so much more than just another five starter… he’s a guy with superstar upside.”
That potential is what makes Painter so intriguing.
His spring results have been mixed, which is typical for a young pitcher adjusting to major league competition. In recent outings, he has shown both his ability to miss bats and the growing pains that come with refining command at the highest level.
For the Phillies, the expectation isn’t perfection — it’s progression.
If Painter can hold down a rotation spot and continue developing, his long-term ceiling could far exceed that of a typical rookie starter.
Crawford Brings Game-Changing Speed
While Painter’s upside lies on the mound, Justin Crawford’s impact could come in a very different way.
Speed.
Stark emphasized that Crawford’s performance in Triple-A last season deserves more attention than it has received. The young outfielder hit .334 with an on-base percentage over .400 and a slugging percentage above .500, while also stealing 46 bases.
That combination is rare.
In fact, Stark pointed out that only one active major leaguer — Ronald Acuña Jr. — has put together a comparable statistical season, even at the minor league level.
That doesn’t mean Crawford will replicate those numbers in the majors, but it highlights the type of dynamic skill set he brings.
“He has enormous upside and the potential to change games,” Stark said.
A Unique Role in the Lineup
Crawford is expected to hit near the bottom of the Phillies’ lineup, likely in the ninth spot.
But that placement doesn’t limit his impact.
With elite speed and improving contact skills, he has the potential to function almost like a second leadoff hitter — creating pressure on opposing pitchers and setting the table for the top of the order.
Stark even made a bold prediction, suggesting Crawford could become “the best number nine hitter in Phillies history.”
Early Signs — and Early Struggles
Crawford showed promise early in spring training, collecting multiple hits in his first appearances and flashing his extra-base ability.
More recently, he’s experienced some inconsistency, including a brief hitless stretch. That’s not unexpected for a young player making the jump to higher levels of competition.
What matters more is how he responds — and he has already shown signs of adjusting, bouncing back with multi-hit performances in mid-March.
A Season That Could Shift the Phillies’ Future
For the Phillies, integrating young talent into a veteran-heavy roster has been a long time coming.
Painter and Crawford represent more than just promising prospects — they represent a potential shift in the team’s identity.
There will be ups and downs. That’s inevitable for rookies.
But if both players come close to reaching their ceilings, they could provide exactly what Philadelphia has been missing in recent postseason runs: fresh impact talent capable of changing games in different ways.
And as the 2026 season approaches, one thing is becoming increasingly clear.
The Phillies’ future might arrive faster than expected — and it could start with these two.
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