Phillies' Andrew Painter named as potential centerpiece in a Tarik Skubal trade

1 hour ago 2

The Philadelphia Phillies, despite having Cristopher Sanchez, Jesus Luzardo, and Zack Wheeler, could use another starting pitcher this season.

It's one of their needs at the trade deadline, as Aaron Nola's inconsistencies and the struggles from the No. 5 starter have made the rotation a legitimate need for Philly. Andrew Painter could help, but potentially not in the way most might've expected.

Will Sammon and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic named Painter as someone the Phillies could utilize in a trade with the Detroit Tigers for back-to-back Cy Young-winning ace Tarik Skubal. This concept is a bold one, but it does make some sense.

Phillies could use Andrew Painter to trade for Tarik Skubal

"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," Sammon and Rosenthal write. "... Among the pitchers who might fit in such a trade: ...Andrew Painter, Philadelphia Phillies."

If the Tigers are to trade Skubal, they could be eyeing a young controllable starting pitcher, which fits Painters' description perfectly.

While he struggled in the big leagues this season, posting a 7.06 ERA in 65 innings pitched before being sent down to Triple-A, Painter is still a high-upside pitcher.

At just 23 years old, and a former top prospect, Painter could have some significant trade value still. In this conceptual deal from Sammon and Rosenthal, the Phillies could use Painter as a centerpiece for a Skubal deal.

MORE: Phillies ‘would love’ to trade for Mets reliever Luke Weaver

The Phillies need a starting pitcher this season, and it might be a little overkill to land Skubal, but imagining a postseason rotation of Skubal, Sanchez, Wheeler, and Luzardo is very tantalizing for the Phillies.

Skubal is a half-season rental and would be very expensive. But, if the Phillies want to go star-hunting, no better player could move this summer than Skubal.

Still, using Painter, plus some other high-end prospects, to get Skubal for three months at most would be a very expensive price tag for the Phillies. It's a fun idea, but in reality, it probably wouldn't be for the best of the future of the team.