With their first pick (#15 overall) in the 2020 MLB Draft the Phillies selected Mick Abel a right handed pitcher out of Jesuit High School in Oregon. He is the consensus top prep pitcher in the draft.

Scouting Report via Perfectgame.org

Mick Abel is a 2020 RHP/1B with a 6-5 185 lb. frame from Tigard, OR who attends Jesuit. Extra long and tall frame with tremendous physical projection, young in the face. Long arm action from a 3/4’s arm slot, low energy release, looks like he’s warming up when he’s throwing 96 mph, fastball gets on hitters. Slider is an elite level pitch right now at times, tunnels it well with his fastball with a power break in the mid-80’s, couple of sliders just disappeared at the plate. Change up still developing. Incredibly high ceiling as he fills out and gets more innings under his belt. Good student, verbal commitment to Oregon State. Named to play in the Perfect Game All-American Classic

Many draft experts had the Phillies selecting local high school product Nick Bitsko who attends CB East. Anytime you select a prep pitcher in the first round of the draft it is risky. The last time the Phillies selected a prep pitcher this high was Jesse Biddle in 2010. The Germantown native struggled following an undiagnosed concussion after being hit in the head by a hail stone and never reached the majors in Philadelphia.

Abel was set to attend Oregon State in the fall; one of the best programs in college baseball. The Phillies must be extremely confident in their ability to sign the prep star considering they no longer have a 2nd round pick after signing Zach Wheeler in the offseason.