Introduction
Mick Abel is widely regarded as one of the top pitching prospects in the Philadelphia Phillies’ farm system and one of the most exciting young arms in Minor League Baseball (MiLB). Selected in the first round of the 2020 MLB Draft, Abel has consistently ranked among the top right-handed pitching prospects in baseball.
In this in-depth article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Mick Abel: from his prospect ranking, contract, and MiLB journey, to his scouting profile, college background, and MLB debut outlook. If you’re a Phillies fan, baseball scout, or fantasy baseball manager, this detailed profile of Mick Abel is your one-stop resource. Mick Abel Prospect Ranking.
Early Life and Background
Mick Abel was born on August 18, 2001, in Portland, Oregon. Growing up in a sports-oriented family, Abel began playing baseball at a young age and quickly emerged as a top talent during his high school years. He attended Jesuit High School in Beaverton, Oregon, where he dominated on the mound and gained national recognition.
He was committed to Oregon State University, a powerhouse for collegiate baseball, before opting to go professional.
Mick Abel’s MLB Draft and Signing
Mick Abel was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies with the 15th overall pick in the first round of the 2020 MLB Draft. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, his final high school season was cut short, but his talent was undeniable.
- Draft Position: 15th Overall (1st Round)
- Draft Year: 2020
- Signing Bonus: $4.075 million
His signing bonus was slightly over the slot value, demonstrating how highly the Phillies valued his potential. Abel became the highest-drafted high school pitcher by the Phillies since 1991.
Mick Abel Prospect Ranking
Mick Abel’s prospect ranking has steadily placed him among the elite in the Phillies’ organization and across all of Minor League Baseball. Mick Abel Prospect Ranking. Here’s a breakdown of his rankings over the years:
MLB Pipeline Ranking:
- 2021: #74 overall prospect
- 2022: #52 overall prospect
- 2023: #45 overall prospect
- 2024: #49 overall prospect
Philadelphia Phillies Top Prospect Ranking:
- Consistently Top 2 pitching prospect for the Phillies (alongside Andrew Painter)
Baseball America & Fangraphs:
- Both have ranked Abel as a Top 100 MLB Prospect, with praise for his raw tools and projectable frame.
Scouting Report: Tools and Pitch Arsenal
Mick Abel has the prototype build of a modern frontline MLB starter — tall, athletic, and projectable. At 6-foot-5 and around 200 pounds, he brings excellent size and mechanics to the mound.
Pitch Arsenal:
- Fastball: 94–97 mph, touches 99. Good ride and velocity, already MLB-ready.
- Slider: Tight, late-breaking with wipeout potential. Considered his best secondary pitch.
- Changeup: Still developing, but has shown promising fade.
- Curveball: Occasional use, mostly as a show pitch.
Grades (Scouting Scale 20–80):
- Fastball: 60
- Slider: 60
- Changeup: 50
- Control: 50
- Overall: 55–60 ceiling
Mick Abel MiLB Career and Stats
2021: Low-A Clearwater
- Games: 14 starts
- ERA: 4.43
- Strikeouts: 66 in 44.2 innings
- WHIP: 1.44
Despite some inconsistency, Abel impressed with his strikeout stuff and maturity for a first-year pro.
2022: High-A Jersey Shore / Double-A Reading
- Games: 23 starts
- ERA: 3.90
- Strikeouts: 130 in 108.1 innings
- WHIP: 1.25
He made a strong case for being one of the Phillies’ top pitching arms, particularly with a mid-season promotion.
2023: Double-A Reading
- Games: 23 starts
- ERA: 4.14
- Strikeouts: 132
- Innings Pitched: 113
- Walks: 62
Walk rate remained an issue, but he maintained high strikeout numbers. Command improvement will be key to future MLB success.
Mick Abel Contract Details
Mick Abel is currently under a standard Minor League contract. His signing bonus of $4.075 million remains the most significant financial aspect of his early career.
Contract Highlights:
- Bonus: $4.075 million (2020)
- Free Agent Eligibility: Estimated 2028, if not added to the 40-man roster
- Arbitration Eligible: 2026–2027 (tentative based on MLB debut)
- Pre-Arb Salary: MiLB contracts typically range from $20,000–$30,000 annually, with variations.
His promotion to the MLB level would initiate team-controlled contract years and arbitration eligibility.
Comparison with Other Phillies Prospects
Mick Abel vs Andrew Painter
Andrew Painter, another Phillies pitching prospect, is often ranked slightly higher due to advanced command and comparable stuff. However, Abel has more innings under his belt and remains a solid No. 2–No. 3 starter candidate long-term.
Mick Abel vs Griff McGarry
While Griff McGarry features elite swing-and-miss stuff, Abel is more projectable with a higher floor and fewer injury concerns.
Future Outlook: When Will Mick Abel Make MLB Debut?
Most analysts project that Mick Abel could debut with the Phillies in 2025, possibly as early as mid-season, depending on injuries and performance.
MLB ETA: Mid to Late 2025
Factors that could influence this timeline include:
- Command and control development
- Phillies’ starting rotation needs
- Injuries to pitchers like Zack Wheeler or Ranger Suárez
- Abel’s Triple-A performance (once promoted)
Mick Abel Highlights and Career Achievements
- 2020 Gatorade Oregon Player of the Year
- Top Prep Arm in 2020 MLB Draft
- 2022 Futures Game Participant
- Consistently ranked among Top 100 MLB Prospects since 2021
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Velocity and mechanics
- Repeatable delivery
- Elite slider
- Projectable frame and durability
Areas of Improvement:
- Command and pitch efficiency
- Developing third pitch (changeup)
- Walk rate (BB/9 was above 4.5 in Double-A)
What Scouts Say About Mick Abel
“He’s got all the tools to be a front-end starter. The stuff is electric, and the physical frame is what you want from an MLB pitcher. He just needs innings and polish.” – MLB Pipeline Analyst
“Abel’s fastball-slider combo could dominate in the big leagues. His curve and changeup just need time to catch up.” – Fangraphs Scouting Report
Fantasy Baseball Outlook
In dynasty and keeper leagues, Mick Abel remains a top-tier stash due to his strikeout potential and future as a frontline starter. For fantasy managers:
- 2025 Outlook: Watchlist for redraft leagues
- 2026+ Outlook: SP3/SP2 ceiling with strikeout upside
Social Media and Public Presence
Mick Abel is relatively quiet on social media but has occasionally shared training updates and shoutouts to fans. He’s known for his humble, team-first personality and work ethic.
You can follow him on:
- Instagram: @mick.abel
- Twitter/X: @mickabel
Final Thoughts on Mick Abel
Mick Abel is more than just a high draft pick — he’s a polished, intelligent, and power-armed pitcher with every tool necessary to thrive in the major leagues. While he continues to refine his command in the minors, the Phillies are investing heavily in his development.
As of 2025, fans can expect Abel to knock on the door of Citizens Bank Park soon. Whether you’re tracking him for fantasy baseball, card collecting, or as a die-hard Phillies fan, Mick Abel’s prospect journey is one of the most exciting in baseball today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Mick Abel in Triple-A?
As of mid-2025, Mick Abel is expected to begin the season in Triple-A Lehigh Valley, or earn a mid-season promotion depending on performance.
What is Mick Abel’s fastball velocity?
Abel’s fastball averages 94–97 mph and has topped 99 mph.
What is Mick Abel’s MLB ETA?
Most analysts predict Abel will debut in 2025, possibly around the All-Star break.
What rank is Mick Abel among MLB prospects?
He is ranked in the Top 50 Overall MLB Prospects, and is Top 2 in the Phillies organization.
Has Mick Abel had any injuries?
No major injuries have been reported. He’s maintained good health, though workload has been monitored carefully.
Conclusion
Mick Abel continues to rise through the ranks of MiLB with high expectations. With elite stuff, physical tools, and growing maturity on the mound, he has the potential to become a cornerstone of the Philadelphia Phillies rotation.
Whether you’re following Mick Abel’s prospect ranking, his MiLB progression, or curious about his contract and future, one thing is certain — he is a name to watch in 2025 and beyond.
