The Philadelphia Phillies are five games behind the New York Mets in the National League East. The team could be open to trading away some young talent to land some upgrades.
The Phillies could be looking for an outfielder and a closer at the deadline. They have a strong starting rotation that will get Aaron Nola back after the All-Star break, ideally. That could make Mick Abel a trade chip in the team's quest to add a more productive outfielder or closer. FanSided's Matt Grazel predicted the Phillies would trade away Abel to help win now rather than in the future.
"The Portland, Oregon, native managed to walk no batters in his first two major league starts. Ahead of his start on Tuesday, Abel had a 0.79 ERA and 11 strikeouts as well. His tendency to walk hitters during his time in the minors remains a concern for him. Other than that, he looks ready to pitch in the majors," wrote Grzel in a story identifying Abel as a player who has "sealed" his fate before the trade deadline.
"The Phillies shouldn't necessarily be eager to trade Abel," Grazel continued. "If he is still with the organization following the deadline, that would be a good thing for the team's future. 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."
Abel does not really have a stable spot in the rotation this year. He has been filling in thanks to injuries, but when Nola returns, he could very well be sent back to Triple-A.
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"Unless there's an injury to a starting pitcher, as currently with Aaron Nola, the Phillies do not have room to include Abel in their starting rotation regularly," wrote Grazel. "Philly has starters Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Cristopher Sánchez, Jesús Luzardo and Andrew Painter all under contract for 2026. Ranger Suárez, a pending free agent, may re-sign with Philadelphia this offseason, but it appears unlikely at this point with the team's depth at the position."
In three starts this year, he has a 2.35 ERA and 14 strikeouts. He has been up and down from Triple-A this season and could be a key player for the Phillies' future. However, the Phillies may be open to trading him, knowing they have Andrew Painter in the minor leagues as well. Abel would be an attractive piece to any seller and could yield the Phillies a player who can help them make a World Series run this season.
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