Two spring trainings ago, a lot of eyes were focused on a trio of Phillies pitching prospects. All right-handers, Andrew Painter, Mick Abel and Griff McGarry sat atop Philadelphia’s farm system. They were all coming off inspiring 2022 campaigns in the minor leagues.
Painter and Abel were first-round selections by the Phillies — Painter in 2021 and Abel in 2020. Both were selected out of high school. McGarry was a fifth-round pick in 2021 out of the University of Virginia.
Pre-season prospect rankings for the 2023 season differed by outlet. But Painter was a consensus top-10 prospect in baseball.