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2 NY Mets prospects on track for MLB debut, 1 who'll have to wait until 2026

The Mets are set to promote Blade Tidwell to the Major Leagues. But expect to see these two prospects follow suit this season. But this one former first rounder may have to wait until 2026 for his Major League debut.
ByNoah Wright|
Feb 22, 2024; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets outfielder Drew Gilbert (89). Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
Feb 22, 2024; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets outfielder Drew Gilbert (89). Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images | Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
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Dom Hamel is on pace of a MLB debut this year

Dom Hamel went into 2024 on the heels of a promising 2023 season. After posting a 3.85 ERA and striking out 30.4% K% at Double-A Binghamton, Hamel ranked as a top 15 prospect in the Mets’ system per MLB Pipeline (#14) and Baseball America (#12). But his promotion to Triple-A Syracuse didn’t go very well.

He ended the year with a 6.79 ERA, 5.95 FIP, and 1.75 WHIP across 124.1 innings of work. Walks and home runs gave Hamel a lot of trouble, with a 13.2% BB% and a HR/9 of 1.66. It also didn’t help his strikeout rate didn’t jump off the page, only sitting at 21.3%. His walk rate was the 5th highest of any Triple-A pitcher who tossed at least 100 innings last season.

Expectations were not high for Hamel going into 2025. But he’s off to a solid start. It has only been four outings and 15 innings pitched, and Hamel has a 4.20 ERA but carries some strong peripherals. This includes a 28.3% strikeout percentage, a 33.6% whiff rate, a walk rate of only 6.7%, and an HR/9 clocking in at 1.20. Hamel has both a FIP (3.77) and xFIP (3.41) below 4.00.

The Mets are already starting to face uncertainty on their pitching depth chart. Brandon Waddell made his return to the Major Leagues with the Mets after injuries to relievers Danny Young and A.J. Minter. The Mets are still without Frankie Montas and Sean Manaea, the latter of whom was recently transferred to the 60-day injured list. Given the Mets’ pitching depth is already being tested this early into the year, you should expect to see Hamel given the call, especially if he keeps pitching like he has to open 2025.

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