Currently holding a 17-14 record and sitting second in the National League East, the Philadelphia Phillies haven’t quite lived up to the dominant expectations many fans had entering the season. Still, with a highly talented roster, there’s reason to believe they’ll find their rhythm as the season progresses—especially with the trade deadline approaching and contenders looking to bolster their rosters.
This familiar pattern plays out each year in Major League Baseball: playoff hopefuls often part with top prospects to acquire pieces from teams focused on the future. For the Phillies, that typically means seeking out additional help in the bullpen.
That trend continues in 2025, as their inconsistent relief corps has already cost them several games. Teams chasing a postseason spot can never have enough reliable arms, particularly rental relievers headed for free agency. Philadelphia has a history of making such moves—adding names like Carlos Estévez, David Robertson, and Ian Kennedy in recent years. While those deals have often required giving up valuable prospects, the Phillies may approach things with a bit more caution this time around.
Phillies prospects Andrew Painter and Aidan Miller are untouchables this trade deadline
The Phillies hit the jackpot in the 2021 and 2023 drafts by selecting right-handed pitcher Andrew Painter and shortstop Aidan Miller with their first-round picks. According to MLB Pipeline, Painter and Miller are ranked as the top two prospects in the Phillies’ system and are also featured in the Top 100 overall prospects list.
Painter, who is working his way back from Tommy John surgery in 2023, has shown promise in limited action for Low-A Clearwater, posting a 3.97 ERA with 12 strikeouts and just one walk over 11 1/3 innings in four starts. Miller, meanwhile, had a sluggish start at Double-A Reading but appears to be finding his rhythm, improving his walk rate to 14.6% and cutting his strikeout rate to 16.7%.
Given their high potential, it’s understandable why the Phillies are hesitant to trade either of them. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported that while the team is interested in Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley, they remain firm in not including Painter or Miller in any trade discussions.
Helsley, who leads the majors in saves from 2024 with 49 and has converted four of six save chances this season, is set to become a free agent after this year. Notably, No. 3 prospect Justin Crawford hasn’t been labeled untouchable and was reportedly part of past trade talks involving White Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet, highlighting the team’s willingness to move prospects—just not Painter or Miller.
With Painter potentially joining the big-league club later this summer and Miller projected to be MLB-ready within the next couple of years, the Phillies are counting on both players to contribute in Philadelphia rather than become assets for another team.