Phillies predicted to part ways with $4M former top prospect at trade deadline amid struggles

Phillies predicted to part ways with $4M former top prospect at trade deadline amid struggles originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Philadelphia Phillies started off the season on the wrong foot and went on to part ways with manager Rob Thomson. The Phillies replaced him with interim manager Don Mattingly, who has plenty of success in the position.

During the tough stretch of the season, there weren’t many bright spots for the Phillies. However, a start by top prospect Aidan Miller made things seem promising again.

“After a sluggish start to the season, the Philadelphia Phillies finally had something to celebrate on Tuesday. Right-hander Andrew Painter, the club’s top pitching prospect, shut down the Washington Nationals in his MLB debut at Citizens Bank Park (PHI 3, WAS 2),” CBS Sports’ Mike Axisa wrote.

While the start for him was strong, it hasn’t been kind to him since. Painter has not been able to find sustained success.

“Painter has made six starts, and in his last five outings, he has surrendered 20 earned runs, 31 hits and six home runs. A critical piece in Painter’s lack of luster beginning to his Major League career has been the dip in velocity on his fastball. Coming through the minors, his fastball was what made him stand out as the 6-foot-7 pitcher would heave 99 mph pitches with ease. Alas, since the Tommy John surgery, the velocity has dipped down to 96 mph, which is impressive, but it’s the league average for right-handers,” SI’s Benjamin Shinault wrote.

With the season going the way it is, Philadelphia is relying on the trade deadline to help them make up ground. Painter has now become a real possibility to be moved.

“There has been a lot of hype surrounding the right-hander over the last couple of years, and he made the starting rotation out of spring training this year. Painter has had some inconsistencies in his rookie season, but the talent is clearly there. As the Phillies look to continue to build his confidence, he is still a great trade piece if the team is looking to make a major splash,” SI’s Nick Ziegler wrote.

Painter can still get back on track and be valuable for the Phillies. If Philadelphia does not believe he will sustain success, they could sell high while his value remains strong across the league.

If it can bring Philadelphia someone who helps in win-now mode, then they need to consider it. Painter is still on an affordable contract and has made just over $4 million so far in his career. The Phillies have a good opportunity to cash in high on him.