Philadelphia Phillies' Offseason Somehow Hinges on Andrew Painter

The 2026 MLB campaign was certainly a tumultuous one for Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Andrew Painter, who broke camp with the team, was sent down in June thanks to a 7.06 ERA and then returned in the second half to play a pivotal role in the starting rotation.

Now, here we are, heading into the offseason, and Painter may be the most important variable in the Phillies' decision-making process.

We know that Tarik Skubal is available, and Philadelphia has been pitched by many as a potential destination for the two-time Cy Young award winner.

The Phillies already have Cristopher Sanchez, Jesus Luzardo and Zack Wheeler leading their pitching staff, but you know the old adage: you can never have enough pitching.

But if Philadelphia genuinely believes in Painter, does a $400 million pursuit of Skubal even make much sense?

Painter's overall 2026 numbers don't look great. He posted a 5.40 ERA and 1.413 WHIP over 25 games and 23 starts, and he coughed up 21 home runs across 126.2 innings.

But Painter's season was really a tale of two halves.

The right-hander was unquestionably brutal through June. No one could deny that. But once he returned from the minor leagues in late July, Painter looked like a different pitcher.

In 11 starts following his return, Painter registered a 3.65 ERA and 1.151 WHIP. He allowed just 48 hits through 61.2 frames, and he cut his home runs in half. Walks were still a slight issue, but not so much as to where he couldn't get the ball over the plate.

Painter is a former top prospect for a reason. Tommy John slowed him down, causing him to miss his entire 2024 minor-league campaign, and he labored during his first season back from injury in 2025. But the potential was clearly there.

This is not something the Phillies do very often. This isn't a franchise that develops its own players. Cristopher Sanchez is one of the few examples, and even he was initially acquired in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays back in 2019.

Painter is a rarity in Philadelphia, and his second-half surge was something the Phillies should absolutely see through in 2027.

It also should essentially rule out a Skubal signing, because as good as Skubal is, he isn't a necessary addition with Philadelphia already boasting one of the best starting rotations in all of baseball.

The Phillies are in dire need of offense and bullpen help. Their rotation is just fine, and Painter is a big reason why.