The Brandon Sproat conundrum the NY Mets are facing

It’s easy to know what the New York Mets should do with Nolan McLean and Jonah Tong. McLean proved he is a big leaguer. Tong showed he needs more than two starts in AAA. What about Brandon Sproat? He went into the year as the best Mets pitching prospect only to come out of it as a somewhat forgotten man. Battling strong in the latter part of 2025 in Triple-A, he finished in a spot where he’s probably good enough to get time in the majors but not trustworthy enough for a team with the intentions the Mets have: winning it all.

So, what is it the Mets do with Sproat? Already almost 150 innings in Triple-A, tinkering with certain pitches or mechanics can make him better. But how much room can the Mets realistically leave open for him in the rotation to make his presence known?

The Mets can’t just have a Band-Aid in their rotation to begin the year with the assumption Sproat will give them no choice but to call him up. Where does this leave him and his place with the Mets?

Brandon Sproat will need to quickly pitch his way into the rotation or become a trade piece

The Mets shouldn’t rush to trade Sproat, but it’s feeling like they have enough viable alternatives. Does a world exist where the rotation of him, McLean, Tong, and two others carry the club to a championship? If David Stearns had a choice, yes.

But that’s not always the best course to take nor is it easy. It requires some luck. Stearns had it in Milwaukee when the 95-win club in 2021 had multiple homegrown pitchers leading the way in their rotation. This includes Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes, Brandon Woodruff, and Freddy Peralta. Adrian Houser even put together a strong season. While not drafted by the Brewers, he was traded to Milwaukee as a prospect.

The Mets are designed differently from the Brewers starting at the top and working its way to the bottom. They have the resources to spend on big time free agents. Patience is, rightfully, not running thick into Opening Day next year with anyone.

No one’s designed rotation for next year will include Sproat at this point, at least not to begin the 2026 campaign. It’s conceivable they trade away one of their veteran starters and add an arm or two. In no scenario, however, does it feel like Sproat will be a lock to get any of the spots outside of an injury.

Where does this leave Sproat? If not traded, he’s going to have to pitch out of his mind for Syracuse. The club should be open to shifting a struggling start to the bullpen if needed sooner than later in the regular season if that's what's best for the club. A little lost at the moment within the team's plans for next year, it doesn't feel like they have one direction mapped out for him.