The Philadelphia Phillies are in the midst of a harsh skid after suffering a series sweep against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
After opening the season as one of the best teams in Major League Baseball, the Phillies are suddenly facing some big questions. They have lost superstar slugger Bryce Harper to the injured list with a wrist problem and their rotation is down Aaron Nola with Jesus Luzardo in the midst of some scary performance issues.
As the team deals with those questions, it’s also facing an uncertain future, which could play into its ability to right the ship at the trade deadline. One of the bright spots in the last few weeks for the Phillies has been the emergence of rookie Mick Abel, who has made two stellar starts in his big-league debut.
Abel would seemingly provide the team with a significant trade chip at the deadline, which could be used to bring in a needed outfield bat or proven relief arm. But with reigning All-Star Ranger Suarez headed toward free agency, the Phillies could be forced to hold onto him.
“Skeptics would advise the Phillies to trade Abel while his value is high,” Scott Lauber wrote for The Philadelphia Inquirer. “But he looks increasingly like a future asset to a rotation that could lose Suarez to free agency and won’t be anchored forever by workhorses (Zack) Wheeler and Nola.”
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As the Phillies suddenly wrestle with major cracks in their hopes to reach the World Series this season, they will have to balance the current pressure with the team’s longer-term future. Their upcoming decision on Abel will go a long way in determining which direction the franchise goes.
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