Phillies Maintain High Expectations for Andrew Painter Despite Uneven 2025 Season

As the 2025 MLB offseason begins, Philadelphia fans are closely watching the development of the Phillies’ young pitching core. One pitcher, in particular, has drawn attention: right-hander Andrew Painter. Despite a season that didn’t fully meet expectations, the organization continues to see Painter as a cornerstone for the future.

MLB Network highlighted this perspective in a recent segment featuring analyst Dan Plesac and Phillies beat writer Todd Zolecki. The discussion emphasized that the team’s confidence in Painter extends beyond the raw numbers from 2025, signaling that his long-term ceiling remains high.

Painter, a 6-foot-7 right-hander, returned from nearly two years of recovery from Tommy John surgery. He logged 26 starts, recording a 5.26 ERA while striking out 123 batters across 118 innings. While the ERA appears elevated, the organization views this as part of the natural process of regaining command after a lengthy layoff.

The 2025 campaign also offered key developmental milestones. A full workload, consistent innings, and flashes of his pre-injury dominance indicate to evaluators that Painter is on track to fulfill his potential. The Phillies view his progress as an essential piece of the rotation for the coming seasons.

1. Analyzing the 2025 Season

Painter’s 5.26 ERA in 2025 belied the broader context of his recovery and development. Returning to a full workload after two years off, he faced the expected challenges of regaining consistency and command. These factors, more than a loss of talent, contributed to his uneven performance. Despite the ERA, Painter struck out 123 batters in 118 innings, demonstrating that his pitch arsenal and velocity remain intact. The Phillies view his strikeout ability as a strong indicator of future success, signaling that the underlying tools are still elite. Command is often the final skill to fully return following Tommy John surgery, and team evaluators see Painter’s 2025 season as a key step in that process. The organization is focused on fine-tuning his control as he enters 2026, believing that once command stabilizes, his results will more closely reflect his talent. Zolecki emphasized that Painter’s return to a healthy, full-season workload was a major accomplishment. The team sees the 2025 season as a foundation rather than a final measure, keeping confidence high in his eventual impact on the rotation.

2. Future Role in Phillies’ Rotation

Painter remains central to Philadelphia’s long-term rotation plans. His arm strength, strikeout ability, and pre-injury dominance position him as a potential frontline starter once he fully regains command. The organization is prepared to give him the time and support needed to reach that ceiling. With the offseason expected to bring additional pitching acquisitions, Painter’s development will be monitored closely. The team wants him to contribute meaningfully in 2026 while continuing his progression toward a sustained impact role in the rotation. Analysts continue to label Painter as the system’s most talented arm, underscoring why the Phillies are investing in his long-term growth. Even with new acquisitions, he is expected to remain a key figure in the pitching staff’s strategy for the next several seasons. The 2025 campaign also provides confidence that Painter can handle a full-season workload. Maintaining durability alongside improved command will be critical as the team positions him to be a cornerstone for years to come.

3. Looking Ahead

Painter’s 2026 season will serve as a barometer for his long-term trajectory. Success will depend on refining command, sustaining health, and leveraging his existing strengths, particularly his strikeout ability. The Phillies’ approach reflects patience and confidence, balancing short-term results with a focus on maximizing Painter’s potential. His development remains a story that fans and evaluators will watch closely as the team seeks to strengthen its rotation. Even as Philadelphia explores other pitching moves this winter, Painter’s progress remains central to the franchise’s long-term vision. His trajectory could define the team’s rotation for years and serve as a key factor in its competitiveness in the coming seasons. *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir=“auto” tabindex="-1" data-turn-id=“request-WEB:a7e12c9d-9a18-4b8b-8ea2-3585add40546-20” data-testid=“conversation-turn-16” data-scroll-anchor=“true” data-turn=“assistant”>

Painter’s mentorship from veteran pitchers and guidance from the coaching staff will also play a crucial role, helping him translate his raw talent into consistent, high-level performance on the mound.