The Philadelphia Phillies have developed several promising pitchers over the years, but Mick Abel’s first two MLB starts are setting a new standard for rookie excellence in today’s game.
Highlighting just how impressive Abel has been, OptaSTATS shared a notable stat on X (formerly Twitter):
“Mick Abel of the @Phillies is the only MLB pitcher in the modern era to go at least 5.0 innings with no walks and no more than 1 run allowed in each of his first 2 career outings.”
Standing 6-foot-5, Abel was a first-round draft pick in 2020, and five years later, he’s emerging as a cornerstone of the Phillies’ rotation. His precise command has drawn comparisons to former Phillies ace Cole Hamels, though Abel’s spotless walk rate in his debut starts sets him apart. His control and poise have sparked talk of him joining the ranks of history’s most impressive rookie pitchers.
Skeptics are right to point out that two starts don’t define a career—but statistically, Abel’s early showing is rare and remarkable. His efficiency also goes against current trends—starters in 2024 averaged just 5.2 innings per game. Abel’s ability to consistently go deep without issuing walks makes him feel like a modern-day throwback.
With the Phillies sitting at 37–24, just one game behind the Mets in the NL East, Abel’s breakout could be a key moment in their playoff push. While the team has long leaned on its offense, Abel’s rise suggests they may finally have a homegrown arm capable of leading the rotation for years to come.
As his next start approaches, anticipation is high. The question now is whether Abel can keep defying expectations—and possibly become the Phillies’ next ace.