MLB Insider Proposes Blockbuster Trade Flipping Phillies’ Impact Arm for a Cure-All Solution

The Philadelphia Phillies have multiple problems to juggle at the trade deadline. Their outfielders have been awful defensively, while most have struggled at the plate. Their bullpen has also been abysmal, with Jordan Romano scuffling in the absence of José Alvarado.

Dave Dombrowski will be active in searching for solutions to both glaring problems; however, one MLB insider and former GM recently proposed a single trade that would fix both. In an article for The Athletic, Jim Bowden floated the idea of trading Mick Abel for Félix Bautista and Cedric Mullins.

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Mick Abel (40) throws a pitch during the fourth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Citizens Bank Park. 

Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

“Mullins is an elite defensive center fielder who hits homers and steals bases, but he will be a free agent at season’s end," he wrote. "Bautista has logged a 3.04 ERA, 14 saves, and 31 strikeouts in 23 2/3 innings in his first season since undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2023. Mullins is batting .233/.319/.450 with 11 homers and eight stolen bases.

“The Orioles would address their key need, young controllable starting pitching, in acquiring Abel, a 23-year-old who has a chance to become an ace if he continues to develop and his command and control improve. After a rough 2024 season, he has impressed this year, posting a 2.21 ERA with 17 strikeouts and only four walks in four starts with the Phillies, while logging a 2.21 ERA over 10 starts at Triple A.” 

Bowden goes on to discuss how the Phillies would be all right parting with Abel since Andrew Painter is waiting in the wings. For the Baltimore Orioles, Mick Abel would definitely be a prize. The lone risk here is that Abel has very limited MLB experience. Trading two veterans for a non-top 100 prospect might be a little off-putting, but given Abel’s performance and ceiling, it might be something that is easily overlooked.