NY Mets spring training roster: 1 pitching prospect with pressure to prove he belongs

The New York Mets have announced their spring training roster, a mix of established major leaguers and promising prospects. While names like Brandon Sproat generate excitement about the future of the Mets' pitching staff, another pitcher, Dom Hamel, enters camp with a cloud of uncertainty.

Once a highly regarded prospect in the Mets system, the former third-round pick now faces immense pressure to prove he still has what it takes to contribute at the big league level. The fact that Hamel went unclaimed in the recent Rule 5 draft speaks volumes about where he currently stands in the eyes of other organizations, and it puts the eyes on him to demonstrate his value to the Mets.

Rule 5 snub fuels Dom Hamel's drive to rebound

Hamel joined the Mets after a standout collegiate career at Dallas Baptist University, where he set a strikeout record of 136 Ks in 91 2/3 innings. His potential was immediately recognized, and he quickly became a top 10 prospect in the Mets' organization, maintaining a top 20 ranking in recent rankings.

His calling card was a plus fastball and a devastating slider. Scouts raved about his slider, a low-80s offering with exceptional spin rates in the 2,800-3,000 rpm range. The late move on the pitch baffled minor-league hitters. However, Hamel's biggest challenge has always been his control.

Over the past few seasons, Hamel's performance has steadily declined. His struggles reached a low point last season, posting a dismal 6.79 ERA with 77 walks, a concerning 1.75 WHIP, and a high .285 batting average against.

While his fastball and slider still possess the potential to generate swings and misses – evidenced by his impressive 30%+ K rate in 2023 when his command was better – his inconsistent control has become a major red flag.

Hamel now faces a critical juncture in his career. While a starting role likely seems out of reach at this point, his stuff could still make him a valuable asset as a reliever if he can regain his command.  

This spring training represents a significant test. The fact that he went unclaimed in the Rule 5 draft, despite his past promise, underscores the doubts surrounding his current abilities. This is a huge opportunity for Hamel to prove his doubters wrong and show the Mets he can still be a part of their future. It may very well be a make-or-break spring for the once-promising right-hander.