Two of the Phillies top prospects named to the 2025 All-Star Futures roster

The Phillies are sending two of their top young talents to the All-Star Futures Game in Atlanta and while fans were excited to see Andrew Painter and Eduardo Tait rep the red pinstripes on national TV, Rob Thomson announced this week that Painter will not be pitching in the game.

Andrew Painter and Eduardo Tait named to the 2025 All-Star Futures roster

Headed to the Futures 🌟

Congrats to Andrew Painter and Eduardo Tait on being named to the 2025 All-Star Futures roster! pic.twitter.com/z5VFqPcCia

— Phillies Player Development (@PhilsPlayerDev) June 30, 2025

Bummer: Andrew Painter will not pitch in the MLB Futures Game

Thomson told reporters, including Todd Zolecki of MLB.com, that Painter will not take the mound during the Futures Game, with the plan being to shut him down during the All-Star break in preparation for a potential call-up to the big leagues later this season.

Yes, that might sting a little for fans hoping to watch the 21-year-old flamethrower light up radar guns on national TV, but let’s be honest: the big picture is more important. This is a long-term play. The Phillies aren’t being cautious—they’re being strategic.

Painter, currently ranked as the Phillies’ No. 1 prospect and No. 5 overall in MLB, is being groomed as the next ace to join an already loaded rotation.

Add him to a healthy Zack Wheeler, Ranger Suárez, Cristopher Sánchez, and Jesus Luzardo, then tack on Aaron Nola’s return from injury and Mick Abel’s upward trajectory, and suddenly the Phillies are looking at a seven-deep monster rotation.

Of course, Painter still needs to deliver on the promise. He’s shown glimpses of dominance but also had some June struggles—giving up four and six earned runs in back-to-back outings to start the month.

Andrew Painter’s numbers at Triple-A Lehigh Valley are a work-in-progress:

• 4.24 ERA
• 45 strikeouts in 40.1 IP
• 18 walks
• 1.41 WHIP

That’s not terrible for someone who’s making his first full return from a two-year hiatus, climbing the toughest level of the minors. This is about shaking off rust and building up for the real show.

Despite missing the Futures Game action, Painter is still considered the most impactful arm in Philadelphia’s pipeline. He’s expected to join the big club later this season, and it’s clear the Phillies are handling his development with championship intentions.

Eduardo Tait: Catcher of the Future

Meanwhile, 18-year-old Eduardo Tait will suit up for the NL squad in Atlanta. The teenage catcher is turning heads with his bat at Single-A Clearwater, hitting .256/.328/.449 with 10 home runs and 42 RBI.

He’s already the Phillies’ No. 4 prospect and No. 69 in baseball. This is a name fans need to circle. Tait is still a couple years away from The Show, but his Futures Game appearance is a signal that the hype is very real.

Eduardo Tait swats his 10th home run for the @Threshers, tying him for the Single-A Florida State League lead 🌴

The Top 100 prospect (@Phillies) leads all 18-year-olds in homers and RBIs (42). pic.twitter.com/64XEYTn1ue

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) June 28, 2025

How to Watch the MLB Futures Game

The Futures Game takes place Saturday, July 12 at 4 p.m. ET, airing live on MLB Network. You won’t see Painter pitch, but you will see a glimpse of the next star behind the dish.

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