Phillies' Dombrowski Makes Bold Moves at Trade Deadline

At the MLB trade deadline, Dave Dombrowski took decisive action, enhancing the Philadelphia Phillies' roster while retaining their most promising prospects. The acquisition of elite closer Jhoan Duran came at a cost, as the team parted with Mick Abel and Eduardo Tait, but Dombrowski emphasized the importance of securing players with multiple years of control.

In the lead-up to Thursday's deadline, speculation swirled around the fate of the Phillies' top three prospects—Andrew Painter, Aidan Miller, and Justin Crawford. The organization aimed to keep these key players, with Painter and Crawford poised to make significant contributions this season. Additionally, the Phillies secured outfielder Harrison Bader from the Twins, further solidifying their lineup.

Miller, a 21-year-old shortstop, remains a focal point for the front office. His youth and potential make him a valuable asset, and the team was unwilling to trade him for a temporary solution. The Duran deal set a precedent; they were not interested in rentals.

Despite interest from other teams in Painter, Miller, and Crawford, the Phillies stood firm. These players are seen as foundational pieces for the franchise's future, especially with established stars like Bryce Harper and Zack Wheeler leading the current roster. The team's success hinges on re-signing key players like Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto.

As for Painter's timeline, he was initially expected to reach the majors by July. However, command issues in Triple-A Lehigh Valley delayed those plans. The Phillies' depth in starting pitching allows them to be patient with his development.

After an 11-day break during the All-Star festivities, Painter returned to form, delivering two strong starts with six innings pitched in each and a total of eight strikeouts. His performance has positioned him as a candidate for promotion to the big leagues soon.

"There's always a possibility," Dombrowski noted regarding Painter's potential call-up. "He has thrown well and made real progress. We haven't made our decision ourselves." Painter could be utilized in the bullpen during a postseason push.

Crawford's promotion has been under consideration for weeks, but the Phillies have yet to act. With Bader now on the roster, they can afford to wait before bringing Crawford up. Dombrowski expressed confidence in Crawford's readiness but emphasized the need for consistent playing time.

"We think he's ready to play at the big league level," Dombrowski stated. "He needs to play a lot. I'm not certain we're in a position to do that today." However, Crawford could join the major league roster as early as this weekend.

If called up, Crawford would add depth to the lineup and provide flexibility alongside Bader and Brandon Marsh. The team is still determining Bader's role as an everyday player, which impacts Crawford's potential promotion.

"Justin's got elite talents," Dombrowski remarked. "He's a good outfielder with speed and impressive bat-to-ball skills." His unique batting style generates ground balls but also allows him to hit effectively to opposite fields.

Miller's development continues in Double-A Reading, where he is one of the youngest players in the Eastern League. The organization believes he could contribute to the major league team by late 2026.

Despite trade discussions involving Miller, the Phillies remain committed to his long-term potential. Dombrowski confirmed that scouts believe Miller can still play shortstop, despite initial concerns about his size affecting his position.

Trea Turner currently holds the shortstop position for the Phillies, but that could change in two years. "If he retains his athleticism, we'll weigh our options," Dombrowski said regarding Miller's future role.