The Phillies have a rotation problem, and it’s the kind that could push them into a swing-for-the-fences move before the trade deadline.
Even with Cristopher Sanchez, Jesus Luzardo, and Zack Wheeler in place, Philadelphia still has room to chase another starter. Aaron Nola’s inconsistency and the issues coming from the No. 5 spot have made that need hard to ignore. Andrew Painter is part of the conversation, though not necessarily as the pitcher the Phillies would be keeping.
Will Sammon and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic floated Painter as a possible piece in a deal that would send Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers to Philadelphia. They wrote, “The way they would do it, according to two rival executives briefed on the Tigers' thinking, is by trading Skubal for a controllable starting pitcher plus quality prospects,” and added, “...
Among the pitchers who might fit in such a trade: ... Andrew Painter, Philadelphia Phillies.”
That lines up with what the Tigers would likely want if they ever moved Skubal. Painter fits the profile of a young, controllable starter, and at 23 years old, he still carries plenty of value despite his rough big-league showing this season.
Painter posted a 7.06 ERA across 65 innings before getting sent to Triple-A, but his upside remains obvious. That’s why he could be the kind of headliner Detroit would ask for in a theoretical Skubal package.
From the Phillies’ side, the fit is easy to imagine. A postseason rotation of Skubal, Sanchez, Wheeler, and Luzardo would be a serious group. But Skubal would come at a steep cost, and he’d be a half-season rental at most.
So yes, it’s a tempting idea. If Philadelphia wants to chase the biggest arm available, Skubal is the name. But the price - Painter plus other premium prospects - would be massive, and it would ask the Phillies to pay heavily for only a short-term fix.
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