Phillies Predicted to Cut Ties With Mick Abel After Latest Development

Last week, the Philadelphia Phillies demoted rookie right-handed pitcher Mick Abel to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Abel started his MLB career off strong, but has struggled of late and now has a 5.04 ERA, a 6.25 FIP, a 1.360 WHIP, and 21 strikeouts to 9 walks over 25 innings.

Abel has still shown plenty of promise, and this move is far from the end of his Phillies journey. However, this staff also features Zack Wheeler, Christopher Sánchez, Taijuan Walker, Jesús Luzardo, and Ranger Suárez. None of them is going anywhere.

There is also Aaron Nola, who is expected to return from his ankle and rib injuries sometime in early to mid-August. Given their surplus of arms and Abel’s still sky-high ceiling, he could be their most valuable trade asset.

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Mick Abel (40) in the dugout after being relieved during the second inning against the San Diego Padres at Citizens Bank Park.

Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Bailey Digh of Phillies Nation also listed Abel as a prospect Philadelphia could move at the trade deadline.

“Despite the recent struggles with the Phillies, Abel still shows promise,” Digh wrote. “His trade value has likely not diminished over the last month. He’ll turn 24 in August and has room to grow and learn how to pitch in the majors. 

“For clubs looking to boost their young pitching depth, Abel will be attractive. Add on that the Phillies have plenty of starting depth for this year, and in 2026, Abel might be their likeliest prospect used in a trade.”

The Phillies could also dangle No. 1 prospect RHP Andrew Painter, who could probably garner an even better return than Abel alone. Painter is coming off Tommy John surgery, so the organization needs to be smart with his innings, but it feels like a matter of when, not if, he gets called up this summer.

Another option is moving Abel or Painter to the bullpen. Philadelphia needs support in all relief areas, and adding an innings-eater or two down the stretch could keep the team fresher for October.

Regardless of how the Phillies tweak their squad, expect Abel’s name to continue circulating trade rumors as they look for bullpen or outfield support at the trade deadline.