It was only a matter of time. After the Philadelphia Phillies dealt away several top prospects at the trade deadline, one of them right-hander Mick Abel wasted no time making an impression with his new team.
Abel, formerly the Phillies’ No. 6 prospect, was traded to the Minnesota Twins along with No. 4 prospect Eduardo Tait in exchange for reliever Jhoan Duran. On Sunday, he made his debut for the Twins’ Triple-A affiliate, the St. Paul Saints, and delivered a standout performance.
Facing the Toledo Mud Hens at Fifth Third Field, Abel tossed five shutout innings, allowing just one hit while striking out seven and walking two. He reached 96.9 mph with his fastball and averaged 95.3 mph, generating nine whiffs on 66 pitches a strong first showing in the Twins organization.
So far in 14 Triple-A starts this season, Abel owns a 2.16 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 10.03 strikeouts per nine innings, and a walk rate of 3.87 per nine his best BB/9 of his minor league career. Though he showed flashes of potential during his MLB stint with the Phillies (six starts, 5.04 ERA, 1.36 WHIP), he was ultimately optioned back to Triple-A.
With Minnesota’s rotation thin beyond top arms Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober, and veteran José Ureña, Abel could be in line for a call-up soon. Back-end starters Zebby Matthews (5.67 ERA) and prospect Travis Adams (yet to debut) leave room for movement.
Abel was a first-round pick (15th overall) by the Phillies in 2020 and had long dealt with control issues in the minors. But his improved walk rate and strong 2025 performance boosted his trade value ultimately making him a key piece in a deadline deal to shore up Philadelphia’s bullpen.
While Phillies fans may be watching Abel’s progress closely, many are pleased with the return the trade brought to Citizens Bank Park.
