The Phillies should trade Mick Abel at the deadline
Not so long ago, Andrew Painter and Mick Abel appeared to be the “next ones” who would cement the front end of the Phillies rotation. With their ability to dominate hitters, it seemed like just a matter of time before they would finally make their arrival. However, No. 5 prospect Abel has struggled mightily so far in 2024.
Following a solid season in 2023 with the Reading Fightin Phils, where Abel compiled a 4.14 ERA and 1.24 WHIP with 126 strikeouts in 108 2/3 innings pitched, he has run into some recurring control issues with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
In 14 starts, Abel has a dismal 2-7 record with a 6.58 ERA and 1.80 WHIP, along with giving up 13 home runs, 46 walks and registering 60 strikeouts in 64 1/3 innings of work. Unfortunately, his underwhelming performance has led to a free fall in MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 prospects rankings.
His potential is still there, but he will need to find a way to rediscover his prior form to succeed beyond the minor leagues. Nevertheless, with Painter off-limits in any trade talk, the Phillies will need to make their next best top pitching prospect available to get anything done.
Despite his current struggles, any prospective team that believes they can fix what is ailing him will likely bet on Abel's ability to become a star. There should still be some solid deals to be had that could help the Phillies in their quest for the World Series, with Abel as a valuable trade chip.