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NY Mets told us exactly how they feel about recently promoted prospect

Their actions show us exactly where he fits into their plans.
ByTim Boyle|
Mar 21, 2024; Lakeland, Florida, USA; New York Mets pitcher Dominic Hamel (93) pitches during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Mar 21, 2024; Lakeland, Florida, USA; New York Mets pitcher Dominic Hamel (93) pitches during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images | Mike Watters-Imagn Images

In for two days and already gone, a chance to get a glimpse at Dom Hamel will have to wait. The New York Mets promoted him at the start of the week, but never had the need to do more than have him warm-up in the bullpen. 

Hamel was quietly demoted back to Triple-A before Wednesday’s finale versus the Cleveland Guardians, signaling a message to the fans how they really feel about him. Less than 48 hours after declaring how much he'd prove himself, the kid never got a chance.

Dom Hamel is not someone the Mets seem to view as a solution of any kind

Justin Hagenman was the choice to replace Hamel on the roster. A bulk reliever role to help the Mets from wasting their high-leverage in certain games, choosing Hagenman over Hamel suggests there never was much trust in the rookie who, not long ago, was regarded as one of the franchise’s better pitching prospects.

At the end of 2023, Hamel was the 9th ranked prospect in the system and second to only Blade Tidwell as far as pitchers go. The team showed a lack of faith in him when they left Hamel unprotected in last December’s Rule 5 Draft. The other 29 teams passed on him while Mike Vasil, a pitcher in a similar spot as Hamel struggling in Triple-A, ended up with the Philadelphia Phillies. He was later traded to the Tampa Bay Rays and finally the Chicago White Sox where he has helped them as a long man in their bullpen this season.

A case to “get Hamel innings” by demoting him back to Triple-A doesn’t work like it might with a hitter who needs at-bats. The team has continually shown signs they don’t have a whole lot of trust in him. The latest demotion, without playing a game, confirms it.

The pair of interchanging arms have several similarities. Each has worked as a starter and reliever in the minors this year with high strikeout totals, good walk rates, and high ERAs. Hamel’s addition to the 40-man roster, with no usage just yet, can have some additional fallout. If by the end of November they aren’t convinced he fits in anywhere, they should consider trading Hamel. The team will have some major 40-man roster decisions to make prior to the Rule 5 Draft. Using a spot on Hamel might come with consequences if there are other players they feel are more essential to protect.

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