PHILADELPHIA—Dave Dombrowski has always had the reputation of a prospect dealer.
The president of baseball operations for the Philadelphia Phillies has always been a master of trade, and at each stop of his professional career, he has never been afraid to make the big deal. However, since coming to the Phillies, Dombrowski has yet to pull the trigger on a deal to match his notoriety.
The Phillies currently have six prospects in Major League Baseball’s top 100 list. Led by star right-handed pitcher Andrew Painter, the organization has quickly replenished what once was a void of young talent. Painter (#10), Aidan Miller (#22), Justin Crawford (#49), Eduardi Tait (#63), Mick Abel (#87), and Aroon Escobar (#97) are the top prospects in the farm system.
With the club expected to make moves at the upcoming trade deadline, chances are a few of these names, as well as others, will be moved to new organizations. Will Dombrowski finally make the splash trade that many are anticipating?
The Phillies won’t move Painter
If there is any minor league player that the Phillies will mark untouchable, it’s Painter.
The 10th-ranked prospect in baseball is weeks away from his big league debut. The Phillies look at the 22-year-old as an anchor to their future while also being able to support them in a push for a World Series title. Painter has not lit the world on fire in Triple-A this season, but there is no doubt that his stuff is big-league-ready. Maturing as a pitcher will be required, but only the experience of a major league game can help Painter move forward.
There is not a single player available at the trade deadline that can move the Phillies off their stance. While teams might come asking, the answer will be no to any offer that would include their young star.
Maybe Miller, maybe Crawford
It was reported this past off-season that the Phillies included both Miller and Crawford in an offer to the Chicago White Sox during the 2024 trade deadline. This deal was for left-handed pitcher Garrett Crochet, who, at the time, the Sox were shopping around. Ultimately, Chicago turned down the offer and would later deal Crochet to the Boston Red Sox in the off-season.
Both players have improved in 2025 in their respective minor league seasons. Miller is starting to find himself after a slow start in Double-A, and Crawford has been spraying the ball all over Triple-A this season. Crawford has made a case for a promotion to the Phillies, and the team might soon be obligated based on the performances of their current outfielders.
Thanks to Crawford’s strong play this year, he has increased his potential trade value to other clubs. The young, speedy outfielder can play strong defense and put the ball in play. While his home run potential is likely at its ceiling, there is still a place in today’s game for a contact-first approach.
If one of these two players is going to be traded, I would lean more towards Crawford than Miller. He is closer to being major league-ready, and rebuilding teams are always looking to lower the risk in trade deadline deals.
More Likely: Abel, Escobar, or Tait
Since the team will be unwilling to move Painter, the first arm to move for the Phillies would be Abel.
A flash of big-league success could encourage other teams to pursue Abel in a return package. After struggling last season, the turnaround from the young right-hander has been impressive to see. His recent struggles with the Phillies can be chalked up to a rookie pitcher learning to adapt to major league hitting.
Escobar and Tait have been playing well for the Phillies’ Single-A affiliate, the Clearwater Thrashers. Tait has been a highly touted prospect since joining the organization, and at just 18 years of age, the young catcher is expected to rise through the ranks of the club’s system. A young catcher could be an interesting trade piece to shop around come the July 31st deadline.
Escobar is new to the top 100 prospect list, and his breakout season in Clearwater is turning heads. After dealing with some injuries early in his career, a full bill of health has translated to on-field success. Escobar is another young player that a team could request in a return package come the end of the month.
Expectations
Of their top six prospects and the others in their system, I would expect Painter and Miller to remain members of the Phillies after this year’s trade deadline passes. Crawford and Abel are more than likely going to be dealt for a big-league bat and bullpen arm. Tait and Escobar are the wild cards, potentially being add-ons to a bigger package with Crawford or Abel.
More often than not, prospects don’t always pan out in professional baseball. Moving these young players for proven big-league talent is what championship-caliber teams have to accept if they want to go all in. If the Phillies deal a player who has success elsewhere, that is simply the price of doing business.
The 2025 trade deadline could ultimately tell the story of Dombrowski’s tenure in Philadelphia. The pieces of that story will soon be revealed. In the meantime, the Phillies will need to continue to stack wins in their quest for another playoff berth.
Photo Credit: Alec Kostival X/Twitter: @KostivalOnBase
