The Philadelphia Phillies were reportedly in the mix for Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Unfortunately, for the Phillies, Yamamoto ended up with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
If Dave Dombrowski believes that the team needs to get better, he's going to do what he needs to do to make that happen. Whether Philadelphia remains in the mix for a starting pitcher remains seen, however. They could've been interested in a star like Yamamoto but not interested in adding a No. 2-3 in the rotation.
With prospects on the rise, the Phillies could also promote in-house. Of the available prospects in the organization, Todd Zoleck of MLB.com believes Mick Abel has a chance to get a shot at the big league level in 2024.
"Abel is the organization’s No. 2 prospect and the No. 45 prospect in baseball, according to MLB Pipeline. If Abel takes a step forward next season, he should push for a promotion, if the need arises," writes Zolecki.
"Abel went 5-6 with a 4.13 ERA in 23 starts with Double-A Reading and Triple-A Lehigh Valley, striking out 132 and walking 65 in 113 1/3 innings. His command was an issue throughout the season, but he went 2-1 with a 1.63 ERA in his final five starts."
While Abel didn't have the season that some were hoping for, the stuff is certainly there. The right-hander out of Oregon was drafted with the 15th pick in the 2020 MLB Draft. Abel has thrown in 60 career MILB games and has posted a 4.09 ERA and 1.28 WHIP.
More must-reads: