Fantasy baseball: Phillies prospect Andrew Painter tops Week 23 waiver wire
After a dominant start against the Cardinals, Andrew Painter is identified as the top priority addition for fantasy managers, with other targets including Trevor Story and Ralphy Velazquez.
Phillies prospect Andrew Painter has emerged as the premier waiver wire target for Week 23 of fantasy baseball following a standout performance against the Cardinals. In his recent start, Painter recorded eight strikeouts while allowing just one hit over seven innings, a display that suggests he is regaining the form that once saw him ranked as the best pitching prospect in the game.
The resurgence is underpinned by significant improvements in his fastball mechanics. According to CBS Sports, Painter’s four-seam fastball averaged 97.3 mph during the start, generating two more inches of induced vertical break than his season average. This adjustment has transformed a previously mediocre pitch into a potential difference maker, contributing to a total of 20 swinging strikes in the outing.
Painter’s path to the majors has been hindered by injury, most notably Tommy John surgery that cost him two seasons. He struggled to find his rhythm in 2025, posting a 5.26 ERA in Triple-A, and was demoted to the minors in mid-June of this year with a 7.06 ERA due to persistent fastball issues. However, recent data indicates he is now maximising his talent, making him a high-upside play for fantasy rosters despite a limited sample size of recent success.
Beyond Painter, several other players are highlighted as viable additions for the week. Hitters Rafael Flores of the Pirates, Ralphy Velazquez of the Guardians, and Pedro Ramirez of the Cubs are noted for their recent statistical improvements or favourable roster situations. Velazquez, in particular, is hitting .381 with 14 home runs in 16 games in August at Triple-A, raising the likelihood of a call-up as the Guardians seek a playoff spot.
On the pitching and infield front, Trevor Story of the Red Sox is on the verge of returning from hernia surgery, offering a potential boost given his strong 2025 performance. Other recommended targets include Logan Gilbert and Kyle Muller, with analysts noting their recent form and the unsettled nature of certain bullpen roles, such as the Royals’ closer situation involving Jack Pearson.
The analysis suggests that while Painter may not be a lock for every lineup, his current trajectory makes him the top priority for managers seeking upside on the waiver wire this week.
