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Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Mick Abel

Depending on how you look at it, Mick Abel ’s introduction to the major leagues is either solidifying his future with the Philadelphia Phillies , or ensuring his status as a valuable chip to use ahead of the July 31 trade deadline. 

Abel made his Major League debut in a spot start on May 18, and he has made two more starts since he was recalled June 4 due to Aaron Nola’s prolonged stint on the injured list. In those games, the Phillies’ No. 8 prospect has gone 1-0 with a 2.35 ERA, giving up four earned runs on 14 hits and three walks with 14 strikeouts in 15.1 innings. 

Given the unlikelihood that Nola will be available to pitch until after the All-Star break in mid-July – not to mention the general uncertainty surrounding his injury – Abel is almost certain to remain with the Phillies for at least another month. Manager Rob Thomson seemed to confirm as much about a week ago when asked if Abel had earned the opportunity for more starts. 

“Oh, he’s going to be sticking around,” Thomson emphatically told reporters . 

Phillies Manager Rob Thomson Impressed With Mick Abel’s Composure, Poise

It would be quite the surprise if team officials pulled a reversal on those sentiments based on just one rough outing. In his next start following Thomson’s vote of confidence, Abel gave up three runs on six hits, including a trio of solo homers, and three walks in 4.0 innings as Philadelphia lost to the Cubs 8-4 on Tuesday. 

“It all comes down to a matter of execution,” Abel said. “Tonight, missed a couple pitches, didn’t execute a couple pitches – and they got me good.” 

But catcher J.T. Realmuto said he has seen enough of Abel to not overreact. 

“He’s been impressive,” Realmuto said. “I thought he was really pretty sharp. He just wasn’t as good with two strikes. That’s where most of their damage was, but his stuff is elite. He’s got a lot of confidence on the mound. He’s been pounding the strike zone, so I’ve been very encouraged.” 

Thomson also chose to focus on the positives after the game. 

“He kept his composure,” Thomson said. “After (two) home runs, he struck the next guy out. That tells you a little bit something about him, you know? So I like the composure and the poise. He kept battling.” 

Many MLB Analysts Believe Mick Abel is Philadelphia’s ‘Best Trade Chip’

But a growing number of MLB analysts feel that Abel has more worth to the Phillies as an important piece for filling roster needs at the trade deadline. With an aging core, Philadelphia is in win-now mode, and in a recent MLB.com piece highlighting “the best trade chip for each club in 2025 ,” Paul Casella wrote that Abel represents an opportunity for the team to address a few significant holes in the roster: 

“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 put up incredible numbers with Triple-A Lehigh Valley and has been lights out in a couple of starts for the Phillies. 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.” 

Another part of the equation is the anticipated arrival of Andrew Painter. Phillies officials have long targeted “July-ish” for the MLB debut of the team’s top prospect, and Matt Gelb of the Athletic recently noted that Painter, who started on Tuesday for Triple-A Lehigh Valley, is scheduled to start again Sunday, which will be the first time as a professional career that Painter pitches on four days’ rest. 

“That is one of the final boxes the Phillies wanted Painter to check before considering him for the majors,” Gelb wrote. 

On a team that boasts rare depth in major league arms , even with Nola currently sidelined, Abel could soon find himself to be a pitcher without a spot. And with the Phillies in a hunt for playoff success, Matt Grazel of the Phillies-focused FanSided blog That Ball’s Outta Here feels that they may end up having no choice but to trade the 23-year-old right-hander. 

“The Phillies shouldn’t necessarily be eager to trade Abel. If he is still with the organization following the deadline, that would be a good thing for the team’s future,” Grazel wrote. “However, teams that will be sellers at the trade deadline will look for promising prospects that are available. This is the unfortunate cost of doing business for playoff-contending organizations such as the Phillies at the trade deadline.” 

Dave Benson Dave Benson is a longtime writer with over three decades of experience in a variety of mediums, including 15 years covering high school, collegiate and minor league sports in the St. Louis metropolitan area. Dave is also a licensed English teacher and spent a few years teaching at the middle school level. More about Dave Benson