Phillies' Generational Pitching Prospect Shockingly Mentioned As Trade Chip
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The Philadelphia Phillies are one of the better teams in baseball, but that doesn't mean they're perfect. In fact, Philadelphia has quite a few holes on its roster to be filled at the trade deadline.
If the Phillies are going to chase any big trades in the coming days, they're going to need to cut ties with some blue-chip prospects.
FanSided's Christopher Kline recently suggested the Phillies could use top pitching prospect Andrew Painter as a trade chip this week. Until now, it's seemed like Painter would be untouchable.
FORT MYERS, FL- MARCH 01: Andrew Painter #76 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches during a spring training game against the Minnesota Twins on March 1, 2023 at the Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers, Florida.
FORT MYERS, FL- MARCH 01: Andrew Painter #76 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches during a spring training game against the Minnesota Twins on March 1, 2023 at the Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers, Florida.
Brace Hemmelgarn/"OK, this is a stretch. But we are talking about Dave Dombrowski, who made his name on big, bold moves that defied convention and threw caution to the wind," Kline wrote. "That isn't really his personality anymore, but the Phillies are running out of time with this core and pitching depth really isn't a problem, especially if Ranger Suárez lands the extension he very publicly wants.
"Painter is the top prospect in Philly's farm system and No. 8 overall at MLB Pipeline. They aren't going to trade him for a random Joe in left field or a nice rental in the bullpen. But if there's a proper star that becomes available unexpectedly, it's in Dombrowski's nature to explore his options."
It should be seen as very unlikely that the Phillies cut ties with Painter. The righty is one of the best prospects in the game, regardless of position, age, or team.
But if Philadelphia believes in Mick Abel as a future piece of their rotation, there's a chance Painter isn't untouchable anymore.
With the Phillies likely hunting trades for star outfielders like Jarren Duran, it's safe to imagine Painter's name coming up in trade discussions. Still, he's as close to untouchable as it gets in terms of prospects.
More MLB: Yankees Rumors: New York Urged To Pursue Intra-Division Trade For Veteran Pitcher
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