With Jose Alvarado suspended for the Philadelphia Phillies for 80 games and the entire postseason, there could be some sense in making some of their top prospects relievers.
That includes Mick Abel, who made his debut on Sunday.
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While it makes sense, according to a recent report from The Athletic, the Phillies don’t plan to make Abel a reliever.
Instead, the Phillies could be viewing him as a trade chip or a starter. At this point, the Phillies have no plans to make him a reliever and like the momentum that he’s shown as a starter.
Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Mick Abel (40) throws a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the third inning at Citizens Bank Park.Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
“He will continue to start at Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Abel has improved his stock. At some point, the Phillies will have to evaluate whether Abel, 23, is more valuable to them as a trade chip or in some role in the majors.
“There are no plans to make Abel a reliever, although the team has discussed the idea broadly. Abel has momentum. There is no reason to disrupt it. He’d also fetch more in a potential trade as a starter,” Matt Gelb wrote.
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For Abel’s sake, if he has a chance to play in the big leagues, he likely wouldn’t mind throwing out of the bullpen right now. However, for a long-term career perspective, starters get paid more than relievers. There isn’t a chance that the youngster isn’t considering that at this point in his career.
If he gets moved, there’s a good scenario that he’ll be traded to a team with a chance to play. At his age and with his stuff, he needs as many reps as he can get, which the Phillies might not be able to offer him right now.
Phillies Reportedly Have Mick Abel Decision Made After Latest Team Drama first appeared on Athlon Sports on May 22, 2025