There are some interesting ways to look at the Philadelphia Phillies’ current roster and suggest they don’t have the best chance to win a World Series right now.
With Kyle Schwarber now on the team, J.T. Realmuto still a free agent, and other questions surrounding the roster, the Phillies are in as strange of a spot as they’ve been over the past few years.
Nonetheless, it sounds like the Phillies have some plans for what they want to do to replace some of these players if they were to walk. Schwarber is the biggest priority, so we’re going to go out on a limb and suggest he’s going to stay.
However, as for Andrew Painter, it sounds like that is going to be the Phillies’ plan in terms of a replacement for Ranger Suarez, according to Feinsand.
“I think the Phillies' window will still be open for the next two or three years, though some of that depends on how they handle their business this winter. Does Schwarber return? What about J.T. Realmuto? I would assume that No. 1 prospect Andrew Painter replaces Ranger Suárez in the rotation, but the Phillies need to build up their bullpen.
“There is also a belief around the league that Philly could be in the market for a third baseman (Bregman, maybe?), which would mean a trade of Alec Bohm. Bryce Harper (1B) and Trea Turner (SS) are locked into those positions, while Bryson Stott (2B) is under control for two more years. Aidan Miller, the team's No. 2 prospect, could move to 2B or 3B at some point if the Phillies believe he's ready to make an impact at the big-league level,” he wrote.
There have also been some rumors suggesting that Painter could be traded this offseason.
If the Phillies decide to go that route, they’d likely have to bring in another starter via free agency or another trade.
Painter is viewed as one of the top prospects in Major League Baseball, but he wasn’t necessarily great during his time in Triple-A a season ago.
However, he features an upper-90s fastball that should play at the highest level if he can work some things out.