3 NY Mets prospects who could put pressure on a veteran they will eventually replace

These Mets prospects could put the pressure on veteran players to step their game up in 2025.

Sep 21, 2024; New York City, New York, USA;  New York Mets shortstop Luisangel Acuna (2) runs to first base during the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Boland-Imagn Images
Sep 21, 2024; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets shortstop Luisangel Acuna (2) runs to first base during the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Boland-Imagn Images | Lucas Boland-Imagn Images
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2) Brandon Sproat

Brandon Sproat is a two-time NY Mets draft pick. They first drafted the right-hander in the third round of the 2022 draft, then again in the second round of the 2023 draft. Sproat signed after his second time through the draft. After his 2024 season, Sproat looks like he could join the top of the Mets’ rotation very soon.

Sproat opened 2024 at High-A Brooklyn, but pitched his way up to Triple-A Syracuse. He tossed a total of 116.1 innings, working 3.40 ERA, 3.94 FIP, and 1.11 WHIP. He struck out nearly 30% of opponents who stepped into the batter’s box against him with a 28.3% K% but also put up a respectable 9.1% walk rate and 1.08 HR/9 across all three levels of the minor leagues.

Sproat’s four-seam fastball sits in the 96-97 MPH range and touched triple-digits in 2024. He throws two breaking balls, one of which is a curveball that clocks in around 79-80 MPH. But his mid-80s slider is the better offering. Sproat’s upper-80s change-up is his best secondary pitch, according to Baseball America. He rounds out his pitch mix with a two-seamer he’ll occasionally fold in.

Sproat could take over for Frankie Montas in 2024. The veteran right-hander is coming off a season where he had a 4.84 ERA, 4.71 FIP, and 1.37 WHIP in 150.2 innings pitched. He hasn’t put up an ERA+ of at least 100 since 2021, and now is entering his age-32 season. Montas struggling could open a wide open opportunity for Sproat to take over.

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