The Philadelphia Phillies were said to be interested in Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Yamamoto, unfortunately for the Phillies, ended up with the Los Angeles Dodgers. If Dave Dombrowski believes that the team needs to improve, he will do whatever it takes to make that happen.
However, whether Philadelphia remains in the hunt for a starting pitcher remains to be seen. They might have been interested in a star like Yamamoto, but not in adding a No. 2–3 to the rotation. With prospects on the rise, the Phillies may decide to promote from within. Todd Zoleck of MLB.com believes Mick Abel, one of the organization’s available prospects, has a chance to make the big leagues in 2024.
“According to the MLB Pipeline, Abel is the organization’s No. 2 prospect and the No. 45 prospect in baseball.” If Abel improves next season, he should push for a promotion if the opportunity arises,” writes Zolecki. “In 23 starts with Double-A Reading and Triple-A Lehigh Valley, Abel went 5-6 with a 4.13 ERA, striking out 132 and walking 65 in 113 1/3 innings.” His command was an issue all season, but he finished the season 2-1 with a 1.63 ERA in his final five starts.” While Abel did not have the season that some had hoped for, the material is undeniably present. The right-hander from Oregon was selected 15th overall in the 2020 MLB Draft. Abel has pitched in 60 minor league games and has a 4.09 ERA and 1.28 WHIP.
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