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NY Mets prospect's bold claim backed by bolder strikeout rate

ByJOSUE DE JESUS|
Aug 8, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; A New York Mets hat and glove in the dugout in the second inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Aug 8, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; A New York Mets hat and glove in the dugout in the second inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

The New York Mets, under the guidance of President of Baseball Operations David Stearns, have intensified their focus on cultivating a robust pipeline of talent within their farm system. Drawing from his successful tenures with the Houston Astros and Milwaukee Brewers, Stearns has prioritized the development of pitching depth, aiming to create sustained success for the organization.

While the major league club continues to see encouraging results from their ongoing starting pitching initiatives, a buzz is building within the Mets' minor league ranks. Eighth-round draft pick from the 2024 class, right-hander Ryan Lambert, has emerged as an exciting prospect, showcasing the electric velocity and strikeout prowess that turned heads during spring training.

Ryan Lambert's impressive strikeout rate at High-A puts him on the radar

Lambert offered a glimpse of his potential at the recent Spring Breakout event. Although his outing wasn't flawless, his raw stuff was undeniable. The young pitcher even confidently claimed to have touched an astounding 102 mph during a previous appearance in Oklahoma in 2023, signaling a belief in his high-octane arm. This confidence appears to be translating into early-season dominance.

In his initial appearances for the Mets' High-A affiliate, the Brooklyn Cyclones, Lambert has been nothing short of sensational. His strikeout rate currently stands at an astounding 65.0%, demonstrating an exceptional ability to miss bats. Furthermore, his fastball has consistently registered around 98 mph, corroborating the reports of his impressive velocity.

Lambert's profile aligns perfectly with the modern bullpen archetype: a power arm with the ability to generate strikeouts in high-leverage situations. His experience as a reliever, where he primarily worked in short stints, suggests that his transition to the later innings in the major leagues could be seamless. The Mets' development staff will be focused on refining his command and consistency, which are crucial for success in those critical moments.

While Lambert's ability to generate swings and misses is undeniable, the key to his rapid ascent through the Mets' system will be his control. If he can harness his powerful arsenal and minimize walks, Lambert possesses the potential to be a fast-moving reliever within the organization. Mets fans could soon witness his high-velocity, strikeout-inducing performances in high-leverage situations at Citi Field in the not-too-distant future, adding another exciting dimension to the team's pitching outlook.

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