3 NY Mets prospects whose strong spring training must carry into the regular season

The Mets have a handful of prospects in spring training performing well. But for these three, continuing that into the regular season is almost a must.
Mar 21, 2024; Lakeland, Florida, USA; New York Mets pitcher Dominic Hamel (93) pitches during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Mar 21, 2024; Lakeland, Florida, USA; New York Mets pitcher Dominic Hamel (93) pitches during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images | Mike Watters-Imagn Images
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3) Trey McLoughlin

Trey McLoughlin was a 16th-round pick by the Mets in 2021. Despite being a late-round selection and a college senior, he has a real chance of making his MLB debut in 2025. The right-hander had a solid 2024 season between Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A Syracuse and is now having a strong spring training.

Last season, McLoughlin pitched to a 2.34 ERA, 3.77 FIP, and 1.13 WHIP. He had a 29.1% K% with a solid 0.85 HR/9 ratio through 42.1 innings pitched. But McLoughlin excelled in getting strikeouts. His 29.1% K% was the 13th highest among any Mets minor league pitcher with at least 40 IP. It was also the 4th highest among Mets minor league relievers who appeared in 30+ games.

McLoughlin has tossed five innings throughout spring training thus far. He’s gotten seven batters to strikeout with only a single walk and earned run allowed. Batters have swung and missed 36.7% of the time when he is on the mound. McLoughlin has also not allowed a single barred-up batted ball.

Although McLoughlin only clocks in around 92 MPH on the radar gun on average with his four-seamer, his extension off the mound makes his pitches look much faster out of the hand. A 92 MPH fastball may look more like a 94 MPH pitch to a batter. Plus, his high arm slot gives some deception. If McLoughlin continues to perform anything like he has in the preseason into the regular season, he might be one of the first names the Mets call upon if they need another arm in the pen.