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Phillies’ Rising Starter Labeled an ‘Intriguing Trade Chip’

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jacob Mountz | Last updated Jun 9, 2025 5:30 PM ET

Fresh off a sweep at the hands of a last place Pittsburgh Pirates’ team, the Philadelphia Phillies are left staring into the eyes of their key vulnerabilities. Philadelphia is already predicted to be among the most aggressive teams at the trade deadline, but while desperation may not be driving the second-place Phillies to make wild decisions, MLB writer Paul Casella floated an idea that might just fit that bill. When discussing intriguing trade chips from each team, Casella offered Phillies’ starter Mick Abel as a candidate.

“Abel is a former top prospect who slid down those lists a bit after struggling with command over the past couple seasons, but he seems to have figured it all out in 2025,” he wrote of Abel. “He put up incredible numbers with Triple-A Lehigh Valley and has been lights out in a couple of starts for the Phillies.”

Abel has thrown just 11.1 major-league innings this season but has done so in ace form, surrendering only one run. In Triple-A, he owns a 2.21 ERA on the year. Since the Phillies are dealing with significant pitching troubles that have recently ballooned in unison with Jesús Luzardo’s ERA, the chances of a Mick Abel trade are continually dropping. Casella admits as much:

“Not too long ago, he seemed expendable with the Phillies' greatest strength being their rotation depth, but that's been tested recently with the injury to Aaron Nola and the sudden struggles of Jesús Luzardo. That may give the Phillies pause when it comes to offering up Abel, but they’ll have to listen to any offers that may help their needs in the bullpen or the outfield.”

With Andrew Painter coming up soon, rotational depth might not be a big problem for much longer, but trading Abel this early might be ill-conceived given the number of uncertainties plaguing the Phillies. However, if the Phillies do shop Abel, they may set themselves up to nab any coveted trade piece on the market.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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