The Minnesota Twins Have a Breakout Candidate Waiting in Their Rotation

On July 30, 2025, the Minnesota Twins signaled that they we're going through a minor reconstruction phase of their roster, as they traded away long-time closer Jhoan Duran to the Philadelphia Phillies for two top prospects. 

On the day of the trade, Minnesota was 4th in the AL Central with a 51-57 record, and was 4-8 since the All-Star break. Change was inevitable for this declining ball club. 

By trading away an elite closer in Duran, Minnesota was able to restock their farm system by adding two top prospects in catcher Eduardo Tait (No. 65 overall) and starting pitcher Mick Abel. 

Although Tait was the more attractive piece in the return package, I believe that Minnesota could have a future top of the rotation arm on their hands with Abel. 

Drafted 15th overall by Philadelphia in the 2020 MLB Draft, Abel was one of Philly's top arms in their farm system. Following the 2023 season, Abel was the second best prospect in Philadelphia's system after he posted a 4.13 ERA with 132 strikeouts across 113.1 innings of work. 

Unfortunately for Abel, the 2024 season was not very kind to him. Over 24 starts at Triple-A, Abel posted a disastrous 6.46 ERA with a 1.81 WHIP over 108.2 innings. 

However, Philadelphia would not give up on their top prospect, and Abel proved himself to the organization once again. In 2025, Abel would make 13 starts for Philadelphia's Triple-A affiliate where he posted an elite 2.31 ERA, 1.16 WHIP with 81 strikeouts over 74.0 innings before making his MLB debut on May 18, 2025 against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Abel's MLB debut was fabulous as he posted a quality start, pitching six innings of zero run baseball with nine strikeouts. 

Philadelphia saw Abel rebuild his trade value, prompting the front office to deal him along with Tait to Minnesota for a superstar closer in Duran. 

Luckily for Abel, a fresh start is exactly what he needed. 

Abel would start in Triple-A for Minnesota where he picked up right where he left off, pitching to the tune of a 1.85 ERA with 33 strikeouts in five games started. 

Abel would make his Minnesota debut on August 30, 2025, where he would struggle against one of baseball's best offenses in the San Diego Padres. Abel only recorded three outs in relief, giving up seven hits and five earned runs. 

However, Abel would bounce back in his next two appearances, posting a strong 1.80 ERA over 10.0 innings of work in the month of September. 

What was a roller coaster of year for Abel ended perfectly, as he made his first start for Minnesota against his former team where he absolutely torched them. Abel would log six innings of zero run ball, while only allowing three hits and striking out nine batters in his final appearance of the 2025 season. 

Abel is expected to take a significant leap in 2026, as Minnesota's rotation is seriously banged up with Pablo Lopez being out for the rest of the season and Joe Ryan dealing with injury. 

Abel has already dazzled during his first start of spring training, pitching three innings of zero run ball with five strikeouts.

Abel has all the tools of being a dominant pitcher at the next level, as his high 90's fastball, curveball, slider, sinker and changeup pitch arsenal make Abel an extremely intriguing pitching option for Minnesota going forward.