Mick Abel Might Be Pitching His Way to the Twins' Opening Day Roster

[Cody Christie]

Image courtesy of © Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images

In the early weeks of spring training, the most promising on-field development for the Minnesota Twins has been the emergence of Mick Abel.

In his first two appearances, Abel has dominated. He pitched three shutout innings with five strikeouts against the Detroit Tigers last Monday, then followed with three more scoreless frames and six strikeouts versus the Atlanta Braves on Sunday. Over six innings, he has yielded only three hits, issued no walks, and tallied 11 strikeouts. He has thrown 89 pitches and induced 22 swinging strikes.

The second outing came against Atlanta’s split-squad B team, with Jorge Mateo the only 40-man roster player in the lineup. The group included several fringe big-leaguers and a couple of familiar names, in DaShawn Keirsey Jr. and Jair Camargo. Context always matters in March, but Abel did exactly what a young starter with upside should do in that situation. He overwhelmed the hitters in front of him.

Over 43 pitches on Sunday, he induced 10 whiffs. His fastball reached 99 miles per hour and accounted for three strikeouts. His slider-sweeper combination produced three more. The only blemish was a harmless two-out single in the first inning. Otherwise, it was total control.

That word feels intentional, because Abel is pitching with a very clear plan.

“I think it's more of the goals that we've set from going camp which ... landing the spin early, and the offspeed stuff early, to get them to expand more,” Abel said, when asked what he is trying to accomplish this spring.

Instead of simply overpowering hitters, he's sequencing with purpose. He lands offspeed pitches early. Hitters must respect the breaking ball. As a result, the elevated fastball plays up even more. It's a simple concept, but one that requires conviction.

Abel also emphasized the importance of being precise with his heater.

“We were talking before the game and our meeting, and I told him I wanted to be more specific with the heater locations," Abel said of his pregame confab with catcher Victor Caratini. "And we were, so I was happy about that.”

That specificity has shown up in the results. He's avoided the middle of the zone and attacked the edges with intent. When a pitcher throws 99 with life and can consistently spot it, the margin for error increases; opposing hitters are forced to think defensively.

Perhaps the most encouraging part of his spring has nothing to do with radar gun readings or strikeout totals. Instead, it’s his mindset.

“Yeah, for sure. I mean two offseasons in a row where I'm not really thinking too hard about what I'm doing mechanically. It's all up top now," Abel said. "So a lot of it boils down to competitive nature now, and you know, being intentional with every single pitch.”

That freedom has translated into confidence. At 24 years old, Abel does not have much left to prove in the minors. He entered camp as a legitimate candidate for the Opening Day rotation, and injuries to Pablo López and David Festa have only increased that possibility.

With Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober, and Simeon Woods Richardson likely in, two rotation spots remain for Abel, Taj Bradley, and Zebby Matthews. Abel is making a tough competition look easy. Asked how he approaches the numbers game, his answer matched the calm confidence seen on the mound.

“I feel like, as long as I'm coming in here and just being myself, that's all I'm really trying to do every day. There's nothing more I can do.”

That mindset may be his biggest development. Abel isn’t chasing results or outshining teammates. He's focused on executing his plan, trusting his stuff, and pitching with intent.

Spring stats need context. Six scoreless innings in March don't guarantee success in April. But when a young starter combines velocity, command, swing-and-miss stuff, and a strong mindset, it’s worth attention.

If Abel continues pitching this way, the decision-makers in Minnesota will not have a difficult choice to make. And if he carries this version of himself into the regular season, there is a world where he becomes one of the most important arms in the Twins' rotation sooner, rather than later.

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Do you think Abel will make the Opening Day roster? What are your expectations for his season? Share your thoughts and join the discussion. 

 

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[LambchoP]

If he keeps pitching like this I really hope he's rewarded with a rotation spot. If he can put it all together this year it would go a long way towards solidifying this rotation.

[nicksaviking]

Joe Ryan should be the only rotation lock. Ober can't be given a job solely based on seniority if he can't hit 92 MPH any longer. Currently he can't even hit 90 MPH. I'd say the same for SWR with his wild velocity swings and tendency to have early exits.

At this point, Abel should probably be pitching game 2.

[GNess]

If it is a situation where it's Bradley, Matthews and Abel for two spots there are some consistent traits amongst this trio that make this a tough call.

They all have serious stuff/upside, but yet have struggled at the MLB level to produce. They are all at an age when players generally need to break through somewhat.

So it's maybe recency bias but I put Abel at the top of the. three and it's a coin flip between Bradley and Matthews.

[ToddlerHarmon]

11 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

Joe Ryan should be the only rotation lock. Ober can't be given a job solely based on seniority if he can't hit 92 MPH any longer. Currently he can't even hit 90 MPH. I'd say the same for SWR with his wild velocity swings and tendency to have early exits.

At this point, Abel should probably be pitching game 2.

You may be overstating, but just a bit. This team needs to take some big swings* at excellence and youth. While I believe that proven MLB performers get under-valued in the chase for ooh shiny, the Twins are in a situation where lightning has to be given a chance to strike.

*NB: not an endorsement of big swinger Outman :)

[awmonahan]

All of those guys will be in the rotation this year. There's just not enough inning build up for whoever the top five are to manage it through the year. Add in injuries and we'll surely see every one of them who is available. For the younger guys, it makes sense to go with the hot hand early. Unless something is probably wrong with Ober, he'll be in, but he's always gotten a shorter leash than the others. I'm curious how it will play out, even if the season will be brutal to watch at times. 

[amjgt]

If the Twins are going to hit their 75th percentile outcome in 2026, that very likely involves significant contribution from Mick Abel (and Taj Bradley). 

Maybe that makes the 30th percentile outcome more likely, but I'm just not worried about that, since our 50th percentile outcome looks like a 75 win team. Gotta shoot for the upside. 

[CRF]

They might as well throw Abel out there and see if he can figure it out. He's looked very good so far in ST, whether or not that will translate to the regular season...who knows? It's not like this team has a whole lot of options when it comes to starting pitchers. They have nothing to lose. 

[tarheeltwinsfan]

How long would it take to ramp up a long reliever to a starter? What are the considerations in the length of time it may take? If it is 3-4 weeks, can it be done by pitching in a progression of longer and longer relief roles?  Why not start the season with Zebby or Bradley in a long relief role and put the other at St. Paul as a starter and use Abel in the 5th starter's role? What are the cons against doing this?

[Cory Engelhardt]

I know SWR is starting to come into his own too, but right now I'd have him behind all 3 of Zebby, Abel and Bradley in some order. It's tough with him being out of options though. 

Hopefully Ober can show his velocity is back above 90 and frankly pushing 92. Otherwise the 3 (Zebby/Bradley/Abel) I'd very much put ahead of how Ober looked like in 2025.

They'll all get innings this year, no doubt. But these guys have some really fun stuff.

[Nshore]

If intangibles are worth anything I just get the feeling that Abel has that bulldog competitive mentality needed for a top of the rotation guy who you want out there in the big games.  Getting batters out doesn't hurt either.  I wouldn't be surprised if it's Ryan and Abel at the top of the rotation very soon.

[HerbieFan]

This kid just looks the part....and the stuff matches.  

[jmlease1]

1 hour ago, tarheeltwinsfan said:

How long would it take to ramp up a long reliever to a starter? What are the considerations in the length of time it may take? If it is 3-4 weeks, can it be done by pitching in a progression of longer and longer relief roles?  Why not start the season with Zebby or Bradley in a long relief role and put the other at St. Paul as a starter and use Abel in the 5th starter's role? What are the cons against doing this?

3-4 weeks, probably. The cons are you might be looking at calling up someone who isn't ready if there's an early injury. And the reality is, we're talking about 2 from the Abel/Bradley/Matthews group being in the rotation, so if the 3rd one gets bumped to the bullpen we're relying on Morris to be the 6th starter, since Festa (unsurprisingly) isn't likely to be ready by the start of the season.

If Pablo were still here it would have been easy to drop one from Matthews/Abel/Bradley into the 'pen, but right now we're looking at the rotation being Ryan, Ober, SWR, Bradley, Abel. I'd feel a lot better about the depth if it's Matthews & Morris in Saint Paul first in line than Morris, Prielipp, and Rojas (when the latter 2 still need work, no matter how impressive the upside is). If festa were available it might be different as well.

I'll be happy if whomever lands in the 4th & 5th spots does it on performance. Abel is making a case and it's good to see.

[DJL44]

3 minutes ago, jmlease1 said:

If Pablo were still here it would have been easy to drop one from Matthews/Abel/Bradley into the 'pen, but right now we're looking at the rotation being Ryan, Ober, SWR, Bradley, Abel. I'd feel a lot better about the depth if it's Matthews & Morris in Saint Paul first in line than Morris, Prielipp, and Rojas (when the latter 2 still need work, no matter how impressive the upside is). If festa were available it might be different as well.

I agree with your rotation. Even as the 6th starter, I'd bet Zebby Matthews gets 20 starts in the majors - assuming he stays healthy.

With both Ryan and Ober looking like trade bait, the only pitcher I would convert to the bullpen is Festa.

[mickster]

1 hour ago, Nshore said:

If intangibles are worth anything I just get the feeling that Abel has that bulldog competitive mentality needed for a top of the rotation guy who you want out there in the big games.  Getting batters out doesn't hurt either.  I wouldn't be surprised if it's Ryan and Abel at the top of the rotation very soon.

And that is the perfect reason to sign Pablo to an extension and to see if Ryan will agree to one............if we build a staff, that is 67% of moving to a winner

 

[AceWrigley]

2 hours ago, HerbieFan said:

This kid just looks the part....and the stuff matches.  

Agreed. Mick Abel starting is becoming must-watch tv.

[JADBP]

I am pretty sure Ryan will never agree to a long term deal with the Twins....

 

Pablo, maybe.  

[jorgenswest]

I would absolutely have the 6th stater in the pen assuming he is better pitcher than the 7th reliever. Several teams did this last year. 

The Phillies had Walker in the 6th starter role. He was in the pen all of June. In July he was needed back in the rotation. He had thrown 33 pitches in his last relief outing. In his first start he threw 63 and the next start 70. Then he was back on track. There are other examples. Brad Lord with the Nationals moved from the pen to the rotation twice. He went from 50 pitches his first start to 92 pitches his third start. Hayden Birdsong, Ryan Gusto, Jacob Latz and Eric Lauer moved from the pen to the rotation. Lauer pitched for the AL champion Blue Jays. 

I would take the 12 best arms. I think it is better for the development of all of those pitchers to face major league hitters.

Even if they stash a guy in AAA there is no guarantee his schedule will line up with the Twins need for a start. A few years ago Ober was the 6th starter in AAA but he wasn’t available when needed so they had to go with Varland.

It isn’t that hard. The minds of the leadership should not be fixed on a role of starter or reliever.

 

[Brandon]

We should be patient and be aware that the rotation can change so others have opportunities throughout the season.  We need to see Abel be able to make adjustments and win on his bad days.  His start is very promising but let's give him a few starts after the season starts and go from there.  In the mean time I will enjoy watching his next start. Hope he goes at least 4 innings maybe 5.....

[rdehring]

6 hours ago, GNess said:

If it is a situation where it's Bradley, Matthews and Abel for two spots there are some consistent traits amongst this trio that make this a tough call.

They all have serious stuff/upside, but yet have struggled at the MLB level to produce. They are all at an age when players generally need to break through somewhat.

So it's maybe recency bias but I put Abel at the top of the. three and it's a coin flip between Bradley and Matthews.

Got a good smile from me, GNess.  Because it appears your comment was written before Bradley's start today.  That's what so amazing about spring training.  Every day brings us something to talk/think about.

[twinssporto]

This kid is ready! Let's roll!

There is nothing to lose at this point. I like his grit.

 

[nicksaviking]

7 hours ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

I know SWR is starting to come into his own too, but right now I'd have him behind all 3 of Zebby, Abel and Bradley in some order. It's tough with him being out of options though. 

Hopefully Ober can show his velocity is back above 90 and frankly pushing 92. Otherwise the 3 (Zebby/Bradley/Abel) I'd very much put ahead of how Ober looked like in 2025.

They'll all get innings this year, no doubt. But these guys have some really fun stuff.

Agreed. For me, (and I don’t begrudge anyone who feels differently) this club should be thinking about which of these guys could develop into players who could anchor a playoff series win in 2027 or 2028. 
 

There’s a place for SWR on just about any MLB roster, but if you’re going into the postseason, he’s the kind of starter you debate if you leave him off the playoff roster or put him in the pen. 
 

If you don’t want to drag out a return to glory, the clock is ticking on finding the high upside guys needed to get there. 

[nicksaviking]

1 hour ago, rdehring said:

Got a good smile from me, GNess.  Because it appears your comment was written before Bradley's start today.  That's what so amazing about spring training.  Every day brings us something to talk/think about.

My problem with Bradley is that the Twins, and many fans, seem intent on restarting his evaluation as a starter back to zero. Three seasons of overall poor starts is already more than most pitchers get. If TB hadn’t traded him, he would be in their pen right now this spring. 

[Paul Walerius]

8 hours ago, nicksaviking said:

Joe Ryan should be the only rotation lock. Ober can't be given a job solely based on seniority if he can't hit 92 MPH any longer. Currently he can't even hit 90 MPH. I'd say the same for SWR with his wild velocity swings and tendency to have early exits.

At this point, Abel should probably be pitching game 2.

If Abel is pitching game 2, a lot more things went wrong. I am not saying he shouldn't be a starter but he does have options and was BAD last year. So, moving him along a little slower wouldn't be the worst. Ober, and SWR have shown in the past that they are capable, also no options. You don't just cut them. If Zebby is a starter he is ahead of Abel as well. So, it is one position for Bradley and Abel. 

[nicksaviking]

30 minutes ago, Paul Walerius said:

If Abel is pitching game 2, a lot more things went wrong. I am not saying he shouldn't be a starter but he does have options and was BAD last year. So, moving him along a little slower wouldn't be the worst. Ober, and SWR have shown in the past that they are capable, also no options. You don't just cut them. If Zebby is a starter he is ahead of Abel as well. So, it is one position for Bradley and Abel. 

Everything has already gone wrong. 2026 needs to be about identifying the next long term core players. 
 

Im far from sold on Abel, but this team  needs to be more aggressive with high upside players and then more decisive when it becomes more clear they won’t cut it.

[Paul Walerius]

2 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

Everything has already gone wrong. 2026 needs to be about identifying the next long term core players. 

One pitcher is out for the year.  Everything has not gone wrong. I don't disagree though. I just think you/Twins aren't just going to cut guys like Ober and SWR. Heck it is possible SWR ends up in the pen.  

[RaoulDuke]

Abel is the best bet the Twins have at a top of the rotation pitcher in quite some time, with props to Joe Ryan for making himself one.

He is by far the player I am most excited to watch this season.  I would love to see him get a spot on the opening day roster and he should get a lot of run to learn and adjust to the MLB.  

Abel/ Zebby are the priorities to me, this season is going nowhere if they don't get a couple young arms having major breakouts, which is unlikely but those are the best options.  Even if they don't break out getting them consistent MLB innings and experience is the best path forward to better figure out what you have to work with.

 

[Doctor Wu]

Abel absolutely should be on the opening day roster. I hope the Twins quit playing games by sending players down just because they have options left. Let the better talent stay and play. 

[UK Twin]

My only slight reservation about Abel so far in ST is that he hasn't faced any MLB line ups in his outings to date. He's faced a bunch of fringe players and/or prospects. That should change tomorrow when he faces a split squad Orioles. With them being home, they should have most of their projected opening day line up facing him. Will be watching closely as his stuff looks great. Both him and Bradley are throwing in the high 90's already which is great to see. 

 

My rotation would be:

Ryan, Ober, SWR, Bradley, Abel. 

[nicksaviking]

12 hours ago, Paul Walerius said:

One pitcher is out for the year.  Everything has not gone wrong. I don't disagree though. I just think you/Twins aren't just going to cut guys like Ober and SWR. Heck it is possible SWR ends up in the pen.  

They traded away the entire bullpen, fired the manager and the team president quit a month before camp opened. Oh, and they got new owners that slashed payroll.

It's fine. The team wasn't competitive anyway, but they cannot put on an act like they are contending this year at the expense of identifying a competitive roster in 2027.