The Philadelphia Phillies have big dreams and a big payroll-but if they want to stay competitive without constantly breaking the bank, it’s time to start thinking like a team that builds from within. While the scars from the Scott Kingery extension still linger in Philly, the idea of locking up young talent early shouldn’t be dismissed outright. In fact, it might be the smartest way forward, especially with a new wave of prospects ready to take the big stage.
A New Core Is Coming-and the Phillies Know It
At the heart of the Phillies’ long-term plans are three names fans should get used to hearing: Andrew Painter, Aidan Miller, and Justin Crawford. These aren’t just top prospects-they’re potential franchise pillars. And with the team’s current core aging and the front office showing signs of restraint in free agency, the pressure is mounting for the next generation to step in and deliver.
That’s where the idea of early extensions comes into play. The Phillies have leaned heavily on high-priced veterans in recent years-Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber, Nick Castellanos-but that approach only works for so long.
To maintain a championship-caliber roster without tying up every last dollar, Philly will need major contributions from players still on rookie deals. And if any of these young stars prove they belong, it may be wise to lock them in before their price tags soar.
The A’s Blueprint: Lock In the Core, Save Millions
Look no further than the former Oakland A’s-soon to be Las Vegas-for a masterclass in cost-effective roster building. GM David Forst has been aggressive in securing his young stars to long-term deals before they hit their peak earnings. Brent Rooker, Lawrence Butler, Tyler Soderstrom, and Jacob Wilson have all signed extensions totaling 26 years and $282.5 million combined-an average of under $11 million per year for four All-Star-level bats.
That kind of financial efficiency gives the A’s (or the Vegas A’s, soon enough) both roster stability and flexibility. They’ve secured their offensive core and still have room to add around it. It’s a model worth studying, especially for a team like the Phillies that’s trying to thread the needle between contending now and building for the future.
Crawford, Painter, Miller: The Stakes Are High
Let’s start with Justin Crawford. The athletic center fielder is penciled in as the Phillies’ Opening Day starter, and while he hasn’t played a big league game yet, the tools are undeniable.
He’s a contact hitter with speed to burn and a chance to develop into a top-of-the-order catalyst. If he hits the ground running, he could follow a path similar to Jacob Wilson-a fellow first-rounder who doesn’t hit for much power but sprays the ball around the field and keeps the line moving.
Wilson parlayed a strong rookie campaign into a seven-year, $70 million extension. If Crawford puts up anything close to that kind of production in his debut season, the Phillies would be wise to consider a similar deal. It’s a calculated risk, but the upside is locking in a high-contact, high-impact player at a bargain price.
Andrew Painter is a trickier case. The 22-year-old right-hander is coming off a rough year in Triple-A and, like many top pitching prospects, carries some injury risk.
But the talent is real. If he finds his footing in 2026, he could be the kind of rotation anchor Philly’s been searching for.
A deal similar to Hunter Greene’s six-year, $53 million extension with the Reds could be a fair comp-Greene had injury concerns too, but Cincinnati bet on his upside. That’s the kind of move that can pay off big if the arm holds up.
Then there’s Aidan Miller, the 2023 first-rounder who’s been lighting up the minors and has now leapfrogged Painter as the organization’s top prospect. Miller has the bat to make an immediate impact and could be in the Phillies’ infield mix by midseason.
He’s the type of player who might be tempted by early financial security-think Boston’s Kristian Campbell, who signed an eight-year, $60 million deal before even reaching the majors. Or, if Miller bets on himself and performs, he could shoot for something closer to Bobby Witt Jr.’s massive extension down the line.
Lessons Learned-and Applied
Of course, the Phillies have been burned before. The Scott Kingery deal-six years, $24 million for a player who never quite found his footing-still casts a shadow.
That experience should serve as a cautionary tale, not a reason to avoid early extensions altogether. The key is timing and talent evaluation.
Locking up a player too soon can backfire, but waiting too long can mean paying full market price-or worse, losing them altogether.
Rhys Hoskins and Ranger Suárez, both homegrown talents, are no longer in the fold. The Phillies can’t afford to keep letting players walk while handing out massive deals to veterans to fill the gaps. The next core needs to come from within-and if Painter, Miller, or Crawford show they’re ready to be part of that foundation, the front office should be proactive, not reactive.
The Bottom Line
This isn’t about throwing money at potential. It’s about identifying cornerstone players early and making smart bets on their future.
The Phillies are at a pivotal point in their roster construction. They’ve got a veteran-heavy team still chasing a title, but the clock is ticking.
If they want to extend their championship window without going deep into the luxury tax every year, they’ll need their young stars to step up-and they’ll need to be ready to reward them when they do.
So keep an eye on Crawford in center, Painter on the mound, and Miller in the infield. If any of them flash star potential early, don’t be surprised if the Phillies try to lock them in for the long haul. It might just be the move that keeps this team in the contender conversation for years to come.