You might not have known his name before Wednesday night, but Mick Abel is now on the mind of most Phillies fans following the first round of the 2020 MLB draft.
Selected 15th overall, the 18-year-old has ignited a sense of hope when it comes to pitching prospects within the Phillies’ system. Brian Barber, first-year scouting director for the team notes that Abel is, “A potential future workhorse and dominating presence at the top of a rotation.”
That’s a promising notion for the Phillies, who through recent years have struggled to find any form of solidity throughout their rotation — all aside from Aaron Nola, who funny enough, was the last pitcher the Phillies drafted in the first round back in 2014.
In addition to that, the last time the Phillies held the 15th overall selection back in 2000, fan-favorite Chase Utley was drafted ... and it's safe to say we can all remember how well that panned out.
So, with the previous time a pitcher was taken on top of the success the Phillies have had at no. 15, it seems like a pretty solid combination that’ll leave many optimistic.
Honestly, even though it’s been less than 24 hours — it already has to some degree. As soon as Abel’s name was announced, fans quickly started doing their research and realized he has future written all over him. And — of course — welcomed him with open arms.
It’s only been one round, but it seems like the Phillies have done a pretty solid job so far … something the Red Sox certainly can’t agree with — or their fans, at least.
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