3 NY Mets prospects who look like they could be bullpen studs in the future

Some pitching prospects are built to start, ready for six innings, a third-time-through-the-order chess match, and the grind of a long season. Others? They’re given just a few outs to empty the tank, relying on a short leash and high-intensity stuff to make their mark in the game’s tensest moments. The New York Mets' system has a few of those arms, guys who might not carry the pedigree of top-ranked starters but carve out roles by doing one thing that always plays: missing bats. They don’t need a full rotation’s workload to make an impression, they need to get hitters out. Their paths to the majors may twist and turn, but their tools suggest bullpen roles that could make a real impact.

Ryan Lambert brings high 90s and big-game energy

Ryan Lambert’s fast rise through the Mets’ system this season has caught attention, even if his name isn’t yet a household one. The 22-year-old righty, drafted in the eighth round last year, started in Single-A Brooklyn before quickly earning a promotion to Double-A Binghamton by late April. In 13 appearances combined, Lambert has posted a stunning 1.13 ERA with a microscopic 0.94 WHIP, fanning 26 batters over 16 innings. Opponents have managed just a .111 batting average in Brooklyn and a solid .148 mark in Binghamton, evidence that his stuff plays well at multiple levels.

Lambert’s arsenal is straightforward but effective, relying primarily on a high-90s fastball that sets up a biting mid-80s slider. The command has been mostly sharp, though seven walks over eight innings at Binghamton suggest room to tighten up. Still, none of those free passes have led to damage. Known as an adrenaline junkie, Lambert embraces the high-leverage moments, thriving when the pressure’s on. That mentality combined with his arsenal and early numbers makes him one to watch as a potential late-inning weapon.

Dylan Ross moves up with improved command and mid-90s heat

Dylan Ross has taken some encouraging steps forward in 2025, both in results and in refinement. The 24-year-old right-hander opened the season with Brooklyn and recently earned a promotion to Double-A Binghamton on May 12. Over 10 outings in Single-A, Ross posted a 1.54 ERA and held opponents to a .182 average, striking out 23 in just 11.2 innings. His early command issues were worth monitoring, with eight walks in his first eight innings, but he’s shown a clear adjustment, walking none over his last 5.2 frames, including his first two innings at Binghamton.

Ross operates primarily with a fastball-slider combo, relying on a mid-90s heater to set the tone. He doesn’t overpower hitters as much as he picks his spots and executes, working with a mix that creates uncomfortable at-bats. In his brief time at Double-A, he’s continued to look composed, allowing just one hit across two scoreless innings while punching out two. While the WHIP at Brooklyn (1.37) suggests there's still room to refine his efficiency, the strikeout rate and recent control gains are promising. If the improved command holds, Ross could carve out a reliable role in the bullpen.

Ryan Ammons uses precision and mix to stifle hitters

Ryan Ammons has quietly dominated in Brooklyn this season, showing the kind of control and deception that can frustrate hitters regardless of velocity. The 24-year-old lefty, acquired from the Red Sox after they selected him in the 2023 draft, has carved out a 1.74 ERA over 10.1 innings while holding opponents to a ridiculous .065 batting average. He’s allowed just two hits all year, and with only four walks, his WHIP sits at a nearly spotless 0.58.

Ammons doesn’t light up the radar gun, but he doesn’t need to. He works off a low-90s fastball and leans on a sharp slider, mixing in a splitter to keep hitters off balance. It’s not an overpowering mix, but it works thanks to his ability to command the zone. Left-handed relievers with this kind of feel and efficiency are valuable pieces for any bullpen, and Ammons is building a profile that fits that mold well.