The Philadelphia Phillies have seen a significant improvement in their farm system outlook compared to previous years. Currently, they have five Top 100 prospects in the most recent MLB Pipeline rankings released on July 1. At the beginning of the season, they were ranked 22nd in terms of farm system ranking. They had four Top 100 prospects at that time. In comparison, the midseason rankings in 2023 had them at 23rd, and they were 26th before the start of the 2022 season.

This development in the Phillies farm system can be largely credited to two key front office members, assistant general manager and amateur scouting director Brian Barber, as well as assistant general manager and director of player development Preston Mattingly. Barber has been the amateur scouting director since 2019, and Mattingly has been the director of player development since 2021. Both also recently took on the title of assistant general manager. When they took over, the Phillies had two Top 100 prospects in the MLB Pipeline rankings, and now they have five.

Phillies Prospects Featured In The Latest MLB Pipeline Top 100 Rankings

RHP Andrew Painter (#19 MLB/#1 Phillies)

Ranked at number 19 in baseball and the top prospect for the Phillies is Andrew Painter. Following Tommy John surgery last year, Painter’s prospect ranking has dropped. He was set to be the fifth starter for the Phillies last season before the injury. However, the injury allowed Cristopher Sánchez to shine in the starting rotation. Despite being in spring training in 2023, Painter has not yet pitched in Triple-A. In his 26 minor league outings, he has a stellar 6-2 record with a 1.48 ERA and 167 strikeouts.

IF Aidan Miller (#28 MLB/#2 Phillies)

Aidan Miller is ranked as the 28th-best prospect in baseball and second in the Phillies’ system. He experienced a significant jump in the rankings, moving from 45th to 28th. In 76 minor league games, he has a .259/.382/.414 line with six home runs, 33 RBI, and 17 stolen bases. It is yet to be determined whether he will stick to shortstop or transition to third base in the majors. Miller is set to play in the 2024 All-Star Futures Game and is projected to reach the majors in 2027.

OF Justin Crawford (#56 MLB/#3 Phillies)

Justin Crawford holds the #56 spot in baseball and is the third-ranked prospect in the Phillies system. He has moved up one spot since the beginning of the season. In 166 minor league games, Crawford boasts a .307/.364/.430 line with eight home runs, 103 RBI, and 81 stolen bases. Crawford is also slated to play in the 2024 All-Star Futures Game and is projected to reach the majors in 2026. Given the current contracts of Phillies starters, he may become a regular starter by that time.

IF Starlyn Caba (#89 MLB/#4 Phillies)

Starlyn Caba is ranked at 89th in baseball and is the Phillies’ fourth-ranked prospect. He has risen one spot in the Phillies rankings since the start of the season. In 76 rookie league games, Caba holds a .272/.425/.341 line with two home runs, 31 RBI, and 45 stolen bases. He is the highest-ranked international signing among the Phillies’ prospects and one of the top two in the team’s top 10 prospects. Currently, Caba is expected to reach the majors in 2027.

RHP Mick Abel (#94 MLB/#5 Phillies)

Mick Abel is ranked as the 94th-best prospect in baseball and fifth in the Phillies system. Among the players in the latest MLB Pipeline Top 100 rankings, Abel saw the most significant drop in his position. Starting at 58th, he now sits at 94th. Abel was the Phillies’ second-ranked prospect at the beginning of the season but has since fallen to fifth. With a record of 16-27 and 382 strikeouts in 73 minor league outings, Abel played during spring training this year and is projected to reach the majors in 2024.