By guarding a key trio yet leaving a standout exposed, the Phillies make a move that could reshape their minor-league outlook. DD
Will this be the end for this former top pitching prospect?
Major League Baseball’s Rule 5 Draft protection deadline came and went on Tuesday, so we finally know which prospects the Philadelphia Phillies definitely want to keep around. They protected three names, none of which were massive surprises, but left one well-known name exposed.
Teams had until 6 p.m. ET to add Rule 5-eligible players to the 40-man roster. Any players not added are now fair game in the Rule 5 Draft next month at the Winter Meetings.
The Phillies officially added right-handers Andrew Painter and Alex McFarlane to the 40-man, along with slugging outfielder Gabriel Rincones Jr. The roster stands at 33 players after the additions. For the second year in a row, right-hander Griff McGarry was left off the 40-man and unprotected.
Phillies leave Griff McGarry exposed to Rule 5 Draft again
The Phillies left McGarry unprotected at last year’s deadline but there were no bites in the Rule 5 Draft. It’s been a rollercoaster of a pro career for the former 2021 fifth-round draft pick.
McGarry was the Phillies’ No. 3 prospect as recently as 2023, but after ongoing struggles with command he has now fallen completely out of MLB Pipeline’s Top 30. At 26, he’s a high-risk profile, with good stuff but too many walks.
In 72 innings in Double-A this year, McGarry posted a 3.25 ERA with 103 strikeouts but also allowed 45 walks (14.8 percent walk rate). He did make his return to Triple-A Lehigh Valley after pitching at the highest level in the minors in each of the last three seasons with disappointing results. He made one start for the IronPigs, striking out eight in five innings and walking just two.
The Phillies named McGarry the 2025 Paul Owens Award winner as their top minor league pitcher this season. Last year’s winner, Eiberson Castellano, was left unprotected for the Rule 5 Draft and was taken (but returned) by the Minnesota Twins. Does a similar fate await McGarry, or will the Phillies find a trade partner before the draft?
Phillies protect Andrew Painter, Gabriel Rincones Jr. and Alex McFarlane from Rule 5 Draft
Protecting Painter from the Rule 5 Draft was a no-brainer for the Phillies, even with how his 2025 season turned out. He’s still a top pitching prospect, ranked No. 1 in the Phillies system and No. 16 overall by MLB Pipeline.
In his first season back from Tommy John surgery, Painter struggled with command. After a quick stint in Single-A Clearwater he moved up to Triple-A Lehigh Valley in May. With the IronPigs, the 22-year-old posted a 5.40 ERA and 1.55 WHIP in 106 2/3 innings. He had a 23.4 percent strikeout rate but that came with a 9.7 percent walk rate.
Painter is in the Phillies’ rotation plans for 2026, with a chance to earn a starting job in spring training.
Adding Rincones Jr. to the 40-man roster was another easy move for the Phillies. Currently MLB Pipeline’s No. 9 Phillies prospect, the left-handed hitter will be 25 on Opening Day.
After impressing with his power early in spring training, Rincones hit .240 with a .799 OPS, 18 home runs, 81 RBIs and 21 stolen bases in Triple-A this year. As a corner outfielder, and with the Phillies trying to figure out their outfield situation for 2026, it wouldn’t be at all surprising to see Rincones get his shot in the big leagues sometime next year.
McFarlane was likely the toughest decision the Phillies had on this day, but protecting the 24-year-old makes a ton of sense. He missed all of 2024 after Tommy John surgery and threw 80 innings this season, mostly at High-A Jersey Shore.
In 28 games (18 starts), McFarlane posted a 4.84 ERA with 82 strikeouts but also 43 walks. He got a late-season bump to Double-A Reading. While he gave up four earned runs in 5 2/3 innings he struck out eight and walked three.
With a plus-plus fastball that touches triple digits, teams would have definitely been interested in taking a flier on McFarlane in the Rule 5. He could be in play as bullpen depth for the Phillies in the coming seasons.
