Lambert -- 'an adrenaline guy' -- hoping to be next Mets bullpen gem
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Ryan Lambert loves throwing hard. He relishes the idea of getting to two strikes and blowing hitters away. “Get me in a game,” Lambert said, “cool things will happen.”
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Ryan Lambert loves throwing hard. He relishes the idea of getting to two strikes and blowing hitters away.
“Get me in a game,” Lambert said, “cool things will happen.”
In recent years, Mets officials have done well to reverse their reputation as an organization that struggles to develop relief pitchers. The recent emergences of José Buttó and Dedniel Núñez provided evidence to that end, while the Mets similarly jumpstarted the careers of relievers from outside the organization, like Reed Garrett and Danny Young.
In Lambert, they hope to take the express route toward developing another bullpen gem. During his college years, Lambert was exclusively a relief pitcher, averaging less than an inning per appearance. His fastball sat in the upper 90s at Oklahoma and ran as hot as 102 mph during a game against Wichita State. Lambert lives for that sort of thing.
“I’m an adrenaline guy,” he said before Sunday’s 5-1 Spring Breakout victory over a group of Nationals prospects. “I love big situations. I think that brings the best out of you when you feel really nervous. You harness that energy and you never know what can happen. So who knows what I’ll touch here in the future?”
Mets prospect Ryan Lambert once drank THIRTY raw eggs per day for a month as he worked to bulk up 🥚 @PSLtoFlushing @SteveGelbs @JimDuquetteGM pic.twitter.com/gpN0AhT1eo
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) March 16, 2025
Lambert’s actual performance in Spring Breakout showcased both his bigtime velocity -- he hit 97 mph on multiple occasions -- as well as his present-day flaws. In an admittedly small college sample size, Lambert walked 7.3 batters per nine innings. Big, hard-throwing pitchers like him can struggle to repeat their mechanics.
Since turning pro, Lambert has worked on fine-tuning his delivery, but he struggled Sunday in walking two batters, giving up three stolen bases and allowing one run.
“For him, it’s strikes,” Mets senior vice president of player development Andy Green said. “The heater really rides. It’s a unique pitch profile. He can spin it in the zone with a slider. It’s kind of a classic reliever, two-pitch mix that might turn into something a little bit more in time. But if he fills up the strike zone, his stuff is going to play.”
Mets prospect Ryan Lambert says that he threw a 102 MPH fastball last year at Oklahoma:
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) March 16, 2025
"I'm an adrenaline guy. I love big situations." pic.twitter.com/sIOetPzHDd
When teams draft college relievers, the first question tends to be how quickly they might arrive in the Majors. Such players tend to be older -- Lambert will turn 23 before this season ends -- and more physically mature than other draftees. They’re typically experienced against advanced competition and, because relievers don’t need robust pitch mixes to succeed at the highest level, they generally require less development time than starters.
Lambert checks all those boxes as a player who could reach the Majors soon -- perhaps even as soon as this season if everything goes right. Admittedly, Lambert sometimes allows his mind to wander to those places, though he understands how much work still stands between him and his debut.
“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t thinking about that stuff, but that’s where I just go one day at a time,” Lambert said. “I trust myself, and I trust the Mets, and I believe I’ll be up there sooner than later.”
📩 SUBSCRIBE TO THE BASEBALL TRAVELER NEWSLETTER
Back to Tobacco Road
Jonathan Santucci, the organization’s 13th-ranked prospect (per MLB Pipeline) and their top left-handed pitching prospect, returned to campus last autumn after the Mets selected him in the second round of the 2024 Draft. Back at Duke, Santucci was in the same documentary studies class as basketball star Cooper Flagg. He’s now one class shy of having enough credits to graduate.
Many elite college prospects like Santucci, who are drafted after their junior seasons, never earn their degrees. Santucci, who is majoring in sociology with a certificate in markets and management, plans to take an online course to complete his.
“Growing up, academics were just as important as baseball,” Santucci said. “I feel like I always worked just as hard in school as I did in sports, so I think that’s really important to finish that off -- the icing on the cake.”
Santucci threw a scoreless inning in Spring Breakout.
Muscling up
Another 2024 Mets draftee, 23rd-ranked prospect Eli Serrano III, packed 15 pounds of muscle onto his 6-foot-5 frame this winter, learning nutrition and weight training techniques at a team-sponsored strength camp. He’s up to around 210 pounds, which club officials believe will help him survive the grind of professional baseball.
“It’s almost another job, I’d say, just getting stronger,” Serrano said. “You’ve got to play baseball, but you’ve got to be able to go out there and be able to play 140 games every year, so you’ve got to be strong enough to do that.”
Drafted as a center fielder, Serrano is likely to end up in a corner, where his increased bulk would not be a hindrance. He started in left field in Spring Breakout.
My name is Jonah
Jonah Tong’s reward for a breakout 2024 season was a Spring Breakout start. The lanky right-hander, who has drawn Tim Lincecum comps, struck out three over two scoreless innings, hitting 97 mph on the stadium radar gun.
Last year, Tong jumped multiple Minor League levels from Single-A St. Lucie to Double-A Binghamton, going from unranked on MLB Pipeline to No. 6 on this year’s Mets list.
“Probably not how I originally imagined,” Tong said of his 2024 season, which included a 3.03 ERA across three levels. “I spent a lot of time in a lot of different places, but I’m just grateful for the opportunity.”
More than a feeling
The early offensive star of Spring Breakout was Boston Baro, the Mets’ 14th-ranked prospect, who hit a left-on-left, opposite-field homer off Nationals starter Alex Clemmey.
Not to be outdone was fourth-ranked Ryan Clifford, who added a deep homer more than halfway up the batter’s eye in straightaway center. On the social media site X, the Mets’ official player development account estimated the home-run distance at 449 feet.
Senior Reporter Anthony DiComo has covered the Mets for MLB.com since 2007.
Grasshoppers Defeated the BlueClaws 8-4, and Took the Series 4-2
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers defeated the Jersey Shore BlueClaws, 8-4 on Sunday, April 20 and took the series 4-2. The Grasshoppers improved to 11-8 on the season while the BlueClaws fell to 5-10. Greensboro outhit Jersey Shore 9-8 as both teams had one mishap. Outfielder Shalin Polanco led
Nine Hits Lift the Grasshoppers Over the BlueClaws, 9-4
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers defeated the Jersey Shore BlueClaws, 9-4 on Saturday evening. The Grasshoppers improved to 10-4 on the season while the BlueClaws fell to 5-9. Greensboro outhit Jersey Shore 9-6 as the Grasshoppers had one mishap. Outfielder Enmanuel Terrero led the Grasshoppers offense as he went
Rivas’ Walk-Off Lifts the Grasshoppers Over the BlueClaws 10-9
GREENSBORO, N.C. – Rivas led the Greensboro Grasshoppers to defeat the Jersey Shore BlueClaws, 10-9 on Friday, April 18. The Grasshoppers improved to 9-4 on the season while the BlueClaws fell to 5-8. Greensboro outhit Jersey Shore 16-9 as the Grasshoppers had two mishaps. Infielder Javier Rivas led the Grasshoppers
Grasshoppers Fall to the BlueClaws, 8-6 in Extra Innings Thursday Evening
GREENSBORO, N.C. - The Greensboro Grasshoppers dropped to the Jersey Shore BlueClaws, 88-6 in extra innings on Thursday, April 17. The BlueClaws improved to 5-7 on the season while the Grasshoppers fell to 8-4. Jersey Shore outhit Greensboro 9-8, while the Grasshoppers had one mishap. Infielder Keiner Delgado led the
Grasshoppers Defeat the BlueClaws, 4-0 on Wednesday Evening
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers defeat the Jersey Shore BlueClaws 4-0, on Wednesday, April 16. The Grasshoppers improved to 8-3 on the season while the BlueClaws fell to 4-7. Greensboro outhit Jersey Shore 8-3 as the Grasshoppers had one mishap. Infielder Keiner Delgado led the Grasshoppers offense as he
Grasshoppers Fall to the BlueClaws, 12-3, in First Game of its Home Series
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers fall 12-3 against the Jersey Shore BlueClaws in the first game of its home series on Tuesday, April 15. The BlueClaws improved to 4-6 on the season while the Grasshoppers fell to 7-3. Jersey Shore outhit Greensboro 16-8 while the Grasshoppers had two mishaps.
Grasshoppers Fall to the Tourists 12-10, in the Final Game of Opening Weekend Series
GREENSBORO, N.C. - The Greensboro Grasshoppers fell to the Asheville Tourists, 12-10 in the final game of its Opening Weekend series. The Tourists improved to 1-2 on the season while the Grasshoppers fell to 2-1. Asheville outhit Greensbor0 14-11 as both teams had two mishaps. Designated hitter Maikol Escotto led
Grasshoppers Take Second Game of Home Opener Series, 13-2 Against the Tourists
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers take the second game of their Home Opener series against the Asheville Tourists, 13-2. The Grasshoppers improved to 2-0 on the season while the Tourists fell to 0-2. Greensboro outhit Asheville 12-5 as the Tourists had two mishaps. Leading at dish for the Grasshoppers
Grasshoppers Take Opening Day with a 12-3 Victory over the Tourists
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers defeat the Ashville Tourists, 12-3 on Opening Day, Friday April 4. The Grasshoppers improve to 1-0 on the season while the Tourists fall to 0-1. Greensboro outhit Asheville 11-3 with two Hopper mishaps. Leading at the dish for the Grasshoppers was catcher Omar Alfonzo
Greensboro Native, Blake Butler, Returns Home to Lead the Greensboro Grasshoppers with a Mix of Familiar and Fresh Faces
GREEENSBORO, N.C. – Greensboro native and Southeast Guilford High School alumnus, Blake Butler, will return to lead the Greensboro Grasshoppers on the field as the team’s manager for 2025 season, the Pittsburgh Pirates revealed this week as part of its player development assignments for the upcoming season. Butler returns at
Grasshoppers Fell 4-2 to the Renegades in Game 3 of the 2024 SAL Divisional Playoffs
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers fell 4-1 to the Hudson Valley Renegades on Friday, September 13 for Game 3 of the 2024 SAL Divisional Playoffs. The Grasshoppers finished 36-29 in the second half of the season and 1-2 in its 2024 playoff run. Hudson Valley outhit Greensboro 7-4 as
Grasshoppers Continue Their Playoff Run With a 3-1 Win Over the Renegades
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers defeated the Hudson Valley Renegades, 3-1 on Thursday September 12 to continue their playoff run. The Grasshoppers improved to 1-1 in postseason while the Renegades fell to 1-1. Hudson Valley outhit Greensboro 5-3 while the Renegades had two mishaps. Hits for the Grasshoppers were
Grasshoppers Take 6-0 Loss in Game One of SAL Division Playoffs Against the Renegades
HUDSON VALLEY, N.Y. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers fell 6-0 to the Hudson Valley Renegades on Tuesday, September 10. The Renegades improved to 1-0 in the 2024 SAL Division Playoffs while the Grasshoppers fell to 0-1. Hudson Valley outhit Greensboro 8-4 while the Grasshoppers had one mishap. Hits for the Grasshoppers
Grasshoppers Take the Series Win Against the Hot Rods with a 6-2 Win on Sunday
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers took a series win against the Bowling Green Hot Rods with a 6-2 on Sunday, September 8. The Grassshoppers improved to 36-29 on the second half of the season while the Hot Rods fell to 39-34. Bowling Green outhit Greensboro 12-7 while the Hot
Grasshoppers Extends Their Win Streak Over the Hot Rods with a 1-0 Win Saturday Evening
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers defeated the Bowling Green Hot Rods, 1-0 on Saturday September 7. The Grasshoppers improved to 35-29 on the season while the Hot Rods fell to 39-33 as both teams tallied three hits. Infielder Omar Alfonzo led the Grasshoppers offense as he went 1-3 with
Grasshoppers Take Down the Hot Rods 4-3, Friday Evening
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers topped the Bowling Green Hot Rods 4-3 on Friday September 6. The Grasshoppers improved to 34-29 on the second half of the season while the Hot Rods fell to 39-22. Both teams had six hits while the Grasshoppers had two mishaps. Infielder Jack Brannigan
Grasshoppers Defeat the Hot Rods, 5-4 Thursday Evening
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers defeated the Bowling Green Hot Rods, 5-4 on Thursday, September 5. The Grasshoppers improved to 33-29 on the second half of the season while the Hot Rods fell to 39-21. Bowling Green outhit Greensboro 7-6 while the Grasshoppers had two mishaps. Infielder Mitch Jebb
Grasshoppers Eight Hits Lift Them 2-1 Over the Hot Rods on Wednesday Evening
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers beat the Bowling Green Hot Rods 2-1 on Wednesday, September 4. The Grasshoppers improved to 32-29 on the second half of the season while the Hot Rods fell to 39-20 as Greensboro outhit Bowling Green 8-1. Catcher Omar Alfonzo led the Grasshoppers offense as
Grasshoppers Drop 5-4 to the Hot Rods in the First Game of Their Final Home Series
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers dropped 5-4 in the first game of its home series against the Bowling Green Hot Rods on Tuesday, September 3. The Hot Rods improved to 39-19 on the season while the Grasshoppers fell to 31-29 as Bowling Green outhit Greensboro 10-6. Catcher Omar Alfonzo
Grasshoppers Take the Series Win with a 5-4 Victory Over the Tourists
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers defeat the Asheville Tourists, 5-4 in the final game of its home series to take the series win. The Grasshoppers improved to 28-25 on the second half of the season while the Tourists fell to 20-34. Greensboro outhit Asheville 8-7 while the Tourists had
Grasshoppers 10 Hits Lift Them Over the Tourists, 10-6
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers defeated the Asheville Tourists, 10-6 on Saturday, August 24. The Grasshoppers improved to 27-25 on the second half of the season while the Tourists fell to 20-33. Greensboro outhit Asheville 10-7 as the Tourists had four mishaps to the Grasshoppers one. Infielder Mitch Jebb
Grasshoppers Shutout the Tourists, 4-0 to Continue Their Win Streak Over the Tourists
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers shutout the Asheville Tourists, 4-0 on Friday, August 23. The Grasshoppers improved to 26-25 on the second half of the season while the Tourists fell to 20-32. Greensboro outhit Asheville 6-1 as the Tourists had one mishap. Designated hitter, Termarr Johnson led at the
Grasshoppers Eighth Inning Come Back Takes the Tourists, 5-4
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers come back against the Asheville Tourists to take the win, 5-4 on Thursday, August 22. The Grasshoppers improved to 25-25 on the second half of the season while the Tourists fell to 20-31. Asheville outhit Greensboro 9-4 while the Tourists had one mishap to
Grasshoppers Fall to the Tourists, 5-3 Wednesday Evening
GREENSBORO, N.C. - The Greensboro Grasshoppers fell to the Asheville Tourists, 5-3 on Wednesday, August 21. The Tourists improved to 20-30 on the second half of the season while the Grasshoppers fell to 24-25. Asheville outhit Greensboro 11-4 while the Tourists had two mishaps to the Grasshoppers one. Infielder Mitch
Grasshoppers Drop to the Tourists, 6-1 in the First Game of its Home Series
GREENSBORO, N.C. - The Greensboro Grasshoppers dropped the first game of its home series against the Asheville Tourists, 6-1 on Tuesday evening. The Tourists improved to 18-30 on the second half of the season while the Grasshoppers fell to 24-23. Asheville outhit Greensboro 7-4 while the Grasshoppers had one mishap.