5 Phillies Spring Training invitees who won’t make the MLB roster

5) Why Mick Abel won’t make the Phillies roster

Other than Painter, Mick Abel has the best chance to break camp as a starter in the Phillies rotation. He won’t. For similar reasons, the Phillies need to hold this young kid back.

Abel is 21 which compared to Painter makes him feel like a grizzled veteran. He was the first-round pick by the club back in 2020. His first professional season wasn’t great nor was his follow-up in 2022. Abel is coming off of a year where he combined to go 8-11 with a 3.90 ERA in High-A and Double-A.

Abel did only get 5 starts in Double-A so there is a good case to put there again to begin the year. There is no urgency to rush him up through the minors. The Phillies will try to ride with Falter in the fifth spot and maybe give Cristopher Sanchez or Michael Plassmeyer a shot if needed.

There haven’t been the same extremes from Abel like there have been from a few other Phillies pitching prospects. After 153 innings on the farm, he has averaged 4.5 walks and 11.5 strikeouts per 9. It’s a solid ratio for a guy only two professional seasons into his career.

Philadelphia should remain cautious with Abel. All of the hype is on Painter. Abel could just as easily become the better arm.