MACK – New Met: LHRP Phillip Abner

 

Philip James Abner is a left-handed relief pitcher (throws and bats left).

He currently joined the New York Mets organization after being claimed off waivers from the San Francisco Giants in late September 2026.

Born May 5, 2002, in Charlotte, North Carolina (age 24); 6'1", 230 lbs.

College: University of Florida; also played Cape Cod League (Falmouth Commodores, all-star in 2022).

Drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 6th round (175th overall) of the 2023 MLB Draft.

MLB debut: September 19, 2025, with the Diamondbacks (struck out Kyle Schwarber and Brandon Marsh in his debut).

Teams: Arizona Diamondbacks (2025–2026), San Francisco Giants (2026), New York Mets (claimed Sept. 2026).

MLB stats (through mid/late September 2026): 18 appearances (all relief), 0-0, 6.75 ERA, 22.2 IP, 15 SO, 14 BB, 1.76 WHIP. 

2026 split: 13 G, 7.11 ERA, 19.0 IP, 10 SO.

He has stronger minor-league numbers (career minors roughly 2.93–3.28 ERA range with solid strikeout rates around 25–28% in recent years), including work at Triple-A Reno/Sacramento in the hitter-friendly PCL. The Mets appear interested in the minor-league track record and lefty depth.

Pitch Repertoire

Four-seam fastball (FF): ~55–56% usage, avg. 90.6 mph. Primary pitch; below-average velocity and results so far (higher hard-hit rates allowed).

Curveball (CU): ~18–20.5%, avg. ~81.2 mph.

Slider (SL): ~16–18%, avg. ~80.5 mph.

Changeup (CH): ~7–7.4%, avg. ~83.3 mph.

Sinker (SI): Rare (~0.3%), ~89.5 mph.

In 2025 (limited sample), he leaned more heavily on the four-seamer (~73%) + slider, with less curve/changeup. Overall career mix is roughly 59% fastball (mostly four-seam) and 41% secondaries.

He generates average-to-modest movement and spin on the breaking pitches, with the curve and slider providing the main complementary looks. Whiff rates and overall results have been modest in the majors so far (career K% ~14%, BB% elevated), consistent with the velocity profile. Better control and sequencing of the secondaries (especially the curve) have shown more promise in the minors.

In short: lefty reliever with a lower-90s fastball and a multi-pitch mix (primarily four-seam, curve, slider, and changeup) who relies more on deception/variety than pure stuff. 

The Mets claimed him as organizational depth after his short, rocky MLB stretches with Arizona and San Francisco.