Mick Abel Discovers New Success in 2025 for Phillies

ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Philadelphia Phillies pitching prospect Mick Abel is making headlines in 2025 with a standout performance following a challenging previous season. Drafted 15th overall in the 2020 MLB Draft, Abel struggled in 2024 with a 6.46 ERA over 24 starts for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, leading to heightened scrutiny of his future in the organization.

After a tumultuous year, Abel entered the 2025 season with a new mindset, determined to simplify his approach on the mound. ‘I think I did a terrible job, you know? I’d go home. I’d wallow. I’d look at all of my pitches every hour of every day. It was not a healthy atmosphere,’ he said, reflecting on his past struggles. This year, he focused on maintaining a healthy balance, leaving the pressures of the game off the field.

So far, it appears Abel’s new outlook is paying off. As of mid-May, he has achieved a 2.53 ERA across eight starts, with 51 strikeouts and 19 walks in 46.1 innings. ‘Mick has gone through a lot with the ups and downs of last year, maturing and figuring out what works and what doesn’t,’ said IronPigs manager Anthony Contreras. ‘I see a different presence on the mound.’

In a recent outing against the Worcester Red Sox, Abel pitched seven innings, allowing just one run while striking out nine batters. His ability to throw strikes has improved significantly; his walk rate has dropped from 15.1% to 9.1%. ‘Everyone knows he’s got really good stuff,’ said catcher Garrett Stubbs, emphasizing Abel’s growth and confidence on the mound.

Abel’s resurgence is crucial for the Phillies as they consider their pitching depth heading into the summer. The Phillies have the luxury of evaluating potential trades or roster additions based on Abel’s performance, which has begun to align with the high expectations set when he was drafted. ‘What I’ve seen from him this year is a very confident demeanor out there,’ Stubbs noted. ‘It’s fun watching him get better and better.’

With his path to the majors clearer than it has been in previous years, Abel is staying focused on his current success rather than future expectations. ‘I don’t think I’m really trying to get anywhere,’ he said. ‘I think I just kind of got to be me and be where I am.’ If Abel continues to demonstrate his current form, he may soon regain the prospect status that made him one of the Phillies’ most promising talents.