Rising Apple
FanSided

Red hot NY Met prospect rising quietly through the ranks

ByJohn Wolff|
Mar 8, 2016; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Zach Thornton (80) stretches the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Atlanta Braves at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
Mar 8, 2016; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Zach Thornton (80) stretches the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Atlanta Braves at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images | Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images

Zach Thornton might not sit atop prospect rankings or light up radar guns, but the way he’s slicing through lineups this season, you’d be forgiven for mistaking him for a Silent Assassin. The New York Mets' right-hander doesn’t overpower; he outsmarts. Like the hidden blade from Assassin’s Creed, his arsenal is built on deception, precision, and perfect timing. While others in the system bring flashier tools, Jonah Tong’s wicked mix and Nolan McLean’s power, Thornton has quietly put together one of the strongest starts of any arm in the organization, dispatching hitters one silent strike at a time.

One of the most quietly dominant pitchers in the New York Mets farm system this season, Zach Thornton is turning heads with both his numbers and his hardware.

Thornton, a 23-year-old left-handed pitcher selected by the New York Mets in the fifth round of the 2023 draft, has quietly carved out a niche this season with methodical precision and deadly control. He opened the 2025 campaign with the Single-A Brooklyn Cyclones and quickly made an impression. In just four starts, Thornton posted an eye-popping 0.44 ERA and an equally impressive 0.68 WHIP. His 25 strikeouts against only two walks over 20.2 innings showed a rare blend of control and dominance while opposing hitters managed a meager .162 batting average. That sharp execution earned him the South Atlantic League Pitcher of the Month award, a fitting nod for a pitcher ascending through the ranks with quiet efficiency.

Recognizing his quiet precision, the Mets took a calculated leap of faith in promoting him to Double-A Binghamton in late April, where his pinpoint command continued to frustrate hitters. Over five starts, he’s maintained a solid 2.84 ERA and a 0.80 WHIP, striking out 24 batters while walking just one across 25.1 innings. Opponents still struggle to find their rhythm against him, hitting just .209. His most recent outing on May 24th was especially impressive — Thornton carved through 6.1 perfect innings with six strikeouts against the Richmond Flying Squirrels. This performance earned him the Eastern League Pitcher of the Week honors.

Thornton’s arsenal reflects his strategic approach: a low-90s fastball paired with a slider, curveball, and changeup, recently mixed with a cutter to keep hitters guessing. This diverse toolkit allows him to attack lineups from unexpected angles, relying on craft and precision rather than overwhelming heat. This style quietly slices through the competition without making a sound.

Zach Thornton’s rise may not be loud or flashy, but like a well-timed strike from the shadows, his impact is undeniable. With precise control and a versatile arsenal, he’s steadily carving a path through the Mets’ system, proving that sometimes the quietest moves make the biggest difference. Keep an eye on this stealthy arm, he’s honing the skills of a true silent operative ready for bigger stages ahead.

Home/New York Mets prospects