5 Mets pitching prospects that can contribute in 2024

4. Tyler Stuart

While the major league club's rotation struggled in 2023, the Brooklyn Cyclones were popping on all cylinders. Selected in the 6th round of the 2022 draft, Tyler Stuart led the Cyclones with a 1.55 ERA in 75.2 innings pitched and 84 strikeouts. For a long period, Stuart's ERA was the lowest in minor league baseball, earning him a promotion to AA Binghamton. From there, Stuart would pitch to a 3.60 ERA across 35 innings, striking out just 28 batters. His greatest asset is control, walking just 32 batters in all 110.2 innings pitched. As per Tidwell, this was Stuart's first full minor league season.

Stuart was drafted as a relief pitcher from the University of Mississippi but transitioned to a starting role with the Mets. His low-90s sinker produces many ground balls, which works well with the Mets' superb infield defense. Stuart compliments his sinker with a mid-90s fastball and a low-80s slider that has great sweeping action to it. Scouts believe the two-pitch mix will work best out of the bullpen, but there has been no sign Stuart cannot maintain his mid-rotation ceiling. Now 24 years old with AA experience, the Mets are confident Stuart can be a potential September call-up as well in 2024.

5. Dominic Hamel

Despite missing out on a first-round draft pick in 2021, the Mets struck gold in the rounds that proceeded. Selected in the 3rd round from Dallas Baptist University, 24-year-old right-hander Dominic Hamel is on the fast track to the Mets' rotation. Not known for his velocity, Hamel's arsenal features a fastball in the 91-94 MPH range with a low-80s slider and mid-70s curveball. What makes Hamel so intriguing is his spin rate, which clocks in at 2,800-3,000 RPM on his slider and 2,000 RPM on his curveball. Should Hamel make his debut in 2024, these spin rates would be among the most elite in the majors.

Furthermore, Hamel had an impressive 2023 season at AA Binghamton. Through 25 starts, Hamel pitched to a 3.85 ERA across 124 innings with 160 strikeouts and just 49 walks. Had Binghamton not been in the playoffs, Hamel would have been promoted to AAA, but the Mets preferred him to play in tougher competition for a title. His pitch arsenal has drawn comparisons to Seth Lugo, a starter and reliever the Mets have failed to duplicate. Now 24 years old with 2 full seasons of minor league experience, Hamel will be available to the Mets by mid-season 2024. Should his command continue to enhance with his great spin rates, there is no reason Hamel cannot remain a starting pitcher.