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Mick Abel’s Big Turnaround Sends Him to the Majors
By Luke Arcaini
Published:
The Phillies haven’t had a true “prospect” make their debut in a long time.
You’d have to go back to Orion Kerkering in 2023, and before that, Bryson Stott in 2022. The last starting pitching “prospect” to make his debut would probably be Spencer Howard.
It’s been one hell of a rollercoaster for Mick Abel, now 23, who was the Phillies’ first round pick back in 2020. He hasn’t had an ERA in a season under 3.90 throughout his first four years of minor league baseball. His worst season was 2024, tallying a 6.46 ERA in 24 starts. The Phillies sent him to the development list last season because it was so bad.
Now? He’s carrying a 2.53 ERA in eight Triple-A starts into his Phillies debut on Sunday vs. Paul Skenes.
Rob Thomson said he’s “excited” for Abel ahead of Friday night’s game vs. the Pirates. Nola, who is heading to the IL, was extremely excited for the Phillies prospect, saying he “loves debuts.” Sunday will be a big day at Citizens Bank park.
Abel’s turnaround was a huge development for the Phillies. Some of it had to do with Garrett Stubbs, who has been a fantastic mentor to the IronPigs in 2025. But Abel worked harder than ever this offseason to get to where he is now. His fastball is humming at the right time:
Thomson said he’ll only make one start on Sunday, and will be returned to AAA following the game. But it’s a big moment for Abel. He wants to show the team that he’s the prospect that they drafted five years ago, and a guy that can help the Phillies win their first World Series since 2008.
Luke Arcaini writes about the Phillies for Crossing Broad, covers the Phillies for FOX Sports The Gambler, and co-hosts "Phillies Digest" on YouTube. The wave is the worst thing in all of sports. Contact: lukearcaini8@gmail.com