Phillies Could Float Top Pitching Prospect as Potential Trade Chip

"This qualifies as a good problem for the Phillies to solve, considering how much Mick Abel’s stock has risen following a forgettable 2024 season. He’s pitched with conviction in the majors. He has emerged as a more confident strike-thrower; it is a transformation that could entice other clubs," Gelb wrote.

Abel has a 2.35 ERA in three major league starts, striking out 14 batters in 15.1 innings. Despite the early-career success, Gelb believes Abel’s spot in the rotation is far from concrete, which allows Philadelphia to seriously consider trading the 23-year-old to help the team win now.  

"If the Phillies retain Abel, he’d still be on the outside of an initial 2026 rotation projection. The Phillies have Zack Wheeler, Cristopher Sánchez, and Nola under contract, with Jesús Luzardo and [Andrew] Painter under club control. All of this must factor into the calculus the Phillies use in assessing Abel’s place in the organization."

An injury to Nola may delay trade discussions involving Abel, but if the former All-Star can return before the July 31 deadline, all options should be on the table. Yet, with Painter not scheduled to debut until later in the season, dealing Abel becomes wishful thinking – unless Philadelphia decides to go all-in. 

In that case, Abel should be a top target for teams like the Orioles, who are desperate for young and controllable starting pitching. If trading Abel could land the Phillies Mullins, Bautista, or slugging first baseman Ryan O’Hearn, the organization needs to strongly consider it.