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.
Suns Sets on 2020 Season Hopes
HAGERSTOWN, MD (June 30, 2020) – MLB has elected not to send players to its affiliated minor-league teams. As such, there will be no professional affiliated Minor League Baseball in the calendar year 2020. Therefore, the Hagerstown Suns, like all other Minor League Baseball affiliates, are officially on hiatus. The
Suns Release 2020 Promotional Schedule
The Hagerstown Suns return to Municipal Stadium on Thursday, April 16 to begin the 40th season of Minor League Baseball in the Hub City. The Single A affiliate of the World Series Champion Washington Nationals will celebrate both with a memorable season filled with promotions, giveaways, special deals and more
Sun Sets on 2019 Season
HAGERSTOWN, MD (September 5, 2019) - The 2019 Suns broke camp with an impressive roster boasting seven of the Washington Nationals' top 30 prospects according to MLB.com. Highlighted by 2018 second round pick Tim Cate and international signee Israel Pineda, manager Patrick Anderson was given a strong group to lead into the season starting versus the Greensboro
Suns Drop Final Game 10-5
HAGERSTOWN, MD (September 2, 2019) - A four-run seventh wasn't enough to rally in the Suns final game of the year, which came down to a 10-5 loss to the Lakewood BlueClaws at Municipal Stadium Monday afternoon.Niomar Gomez (L, 0-1) made his South Atlantic League debut and gave up eight runs in
'Claws Miscues Lead to Third Straight Dub
HAGERSTOWN, MD (September 1, 2019) - The Suns took advantage of two BlueClaw wild pitches to guide them to a 4-3 victory at Municipal Stadium Sunday afternoon.While knotted up 1-1 in the fourth with Justin Connell at third base, Francisco Morales (L, 1-8) threw an errant throw to the backstop that allowed Connell to score
Early Offense, Strong Pitching Culminates in 6-1 Win
HAGERSTOWN, MD (August 31, 2019) - The Suns scored in each of the first three innings to upend the BlueClaws 6-1 in Saturday's contest at Municipal Stadium.Nic Perkins started the scoring for Hagerstown (64-74, 34-34), lacing a double down the left field line to score Jackson Cluff and Drew Mendoza in the first inning.
Suns Walk-Off Wild Game Vs Lakewood
HAGERSTOWN, MD (August 30, 2019) - Armond Upshaw scored from a sacrifice bunt by Jackson Cluff and a throwing error from pitcher Taylor Lehman to give the Suns a 3-2 walk-off victory over Lakewood Friday evening at Municipal Stadium.Cluff's sacrifice allowed the third run to score off Lehman (L, 2-2) in his four innings of work
Suns Drop Kannapolis Finale 5-4
KANNAPOLIS, NC (August 29, 2019) - A sixth inning rally could not lift the Suns over the Intimidators in a 5-4 loss in Kannapolis Thursday evening.Jackson Stoeckinger (L, 2-3) got into trouble early, issuing a walk with the bases loaded to allow Kannapolis's first run to score in the home half of
Homestand #13 Preview: August 30-September 2
HAGERSTOWN, MD (August 30, 2019) - The Suns welcome Lakewood to Municipal Stadium for a four-game series August 30-September 2 to close out the 2019 season.Hagerstown is 9-12 against the BlueClaws this season and has dropped two of the last three contests vs the BlueClaws at Municipal Stadium.
Rutledge Sets Season-High in Loss
KANNAPOLIS, NC (August 28, 2019) - Jackson Rutledge set a Suns' season-high nine strikeouts in Hagerstown's 3-1 loss to the Kannapolis Intimidators at Intimidators Stadium Wednesday night.Rutledge struck out the side in the third and fifth innings prior to leaving the game with a no-decision having allowed one run in his five
Five-Run Inning Eliminates Suns
HAGERSTOWN, MD (August 27, 2019) - The Suns were not able to overcome a five-run Kannapolis fourth inning in their 5-4 loss to the Intimidators at Intimidators Stadium Tuesday.Hagerstown (62-72, 32-32) entered the fourth leading 1-0, but Alfonso Hernandez (L, 0-2) entered out of the bullpen and was ambushed by the
Pitching Staff Stays Dialed in for 4-1 Win
Kannapolis, NC (August 26, 2019) - Reid Schaller kept the pitching staff rolling in Hagerstown's 4-1 over Kannapolis at Intimidator Stadium Monday evening.Schaller (W, 4-3) spun the first five frames of Hagerstown's (62-71, 32-31) win, wringing up half a dozen batters while surrendering just two hits.
Suns Take Series with Emphatic Victory
HAGERSTOWN, MD (August 25, 2019) - The Suns bats jumped on the Shorebirds early, and the pitching silenced the opposing bats in their 9-0 win over Delmarva at Municipal Stadium Sunday.Hagerstown (61-71, 31-31) struck for seven runs early which was plenty of support for starter Jake Irvin (W, 7-8), who spun
Suns Split Doubleheader with Delmarva
HAGERSTOWN, MD (August 24, 2019) - The Suns dominated the Delmarva bats all day, but were forced to settle for a doubleheader split against the Shorebirds at Municipal Stadium Saturday. Tomas Alastre threw Hagerstown's (60-71, 30-31) first complete game of the season in their 5-1 game-one victory, but the Shorebirds (86-43, 38-22) took
Suns and Shorebirds Opener at Municipal Stadium Postponed
HAGERSTOWN, MD (August 23, 2019) - The Hagerstown Suns and Delmarva Shorebirds have postponed their series opener tonight due to wet grounds. The game will be rescheduled in a doubleheader tomorrow at 5:05 p.m.Gates open at 4:00 p.m. and the first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive a Mike Mussina
Suns Take Series with Shutout Victory
HAGERSTOWN, MD (August 22, 2019) - Suns pitchers dominated Greenville hitters and combined for a one-hit shutout in their 2-0 victory over the Drive at Municipal Stadium Thursday.Jackson Rutledge (W, 2-0) got the start for the Suns (59-70, 29-30) and put together an efficient five innings. The first-round pick worked five
Bullpen Ends Streak in 5-4 Loss to Drive
HAGERSTOWN, MD (August 21, 2019) - The Suns bullpen surrendered four runs in as many innings in a 5-4 loss to the Greenville Drive at Municipal Stadium Wednesday night.Hagerstown (58-70, 28-30) took a 4-2 lead during a three-run sixth that started with a Drew Mendoza walk and a Jacob Rhinesmith single before Kyle Marinconz hit a one-out
Suns Pitching Dominates in 4-1 Win
HAGERSTOWN, MD (August 20, 2019) - The Suns pitching staff held the Drive to only one run on four hits in their 4-1 win over Greenville at Municipal Stadium Tuesday.Reid Schaller (W, 3-3) got the start for Hagerstown (58-69, 28-29) and rolled through five innings. The righty allowed only one run
Homestand #12 Preview: August 20-25
The Hagerstown Suns welcome the Greenville Drive and the Delmarva Shorebirds to Municipal Stadium for a six-game homestand August 20-25. Each team will be in Hagerstown for a three-game series.The Suns are 1-2 against the Drive this season after dropping a series in Greenville April 22-24. Hagerstown is 6-13 against
Suns Drop Finale to West Virginia 4-2
CHARLESTON, WV (August 18, 2019) - Hagerstown couldn't overcome an early 4-0 deficit with a late rally in a 4-2 loss to the West Virginia Power at Appalachian Power Park Sunday afternoon.Jake Irvin (L, 6-8) ran into trouble early, loading the bases with no outs in each of the first two innings.
Suns Rise Late to Upend Power 4-1
CHARLESTON, WV (August 17, 2019) - Hagerstown beat up on the West Virginia Power bullpen to win 4-1 at Appalachian Power Park Saturday evening.With Hagerstown (27-28, 57-68) trailing 1-0 with two outs in the seventh inning, Phil Caulfield bounded a ball off the right field wall to bring Israel Pineda, who had reached on
Suns Claim 4-1 Win Behind Mendoza Bomb
CHARLESTON, WV (August 16, 2019) - The Suns pitching staff shut down the West Virginia Power in a 4-1 victory at Appalachian Power Park Friday night.Jackson Stoeckinger (W, 2-2) spun five, one-run innings to start the game off. He wrung up four Power (62-62, 25-29) batters before exiting the game and handing
Adon Earns League-Leading 11th Win in WV
CHARLESTON, WV (August 15, 2019) - Joan Adon pushed four, one-run innings of relief as the Suns charged ahead behind three runs in the eighth to win 6-3 versus the West Virginia Power at Appalachian Power Park Thursday night.Adon (W, 11-3) earned his league-leading 11th win after allowing a solo shot from Matt
Suns Release 2020 Schedule
HAGERSTOWN, MD (August 15, 2019) - The Hagerstown Suns are excited to announce the release of their 2020 schedule. 2020 marks the Suns 40th season playing baseball at Municipal Stadium.Hagerstown kicks off their 40th anniversary season Thursday, April 16 vs the Delmarva Shorebirds. The home series marks four of the
Suns Bats Silenced Again by Lakewood
HAGERSTOWN, MD (August 14, 2019) - Hagerstown's bats faltered again as they fell to the Lakewood BlueClaws 5-1 Wednesday afternoon at Municipal Stadium.Reid Schaller (L, 2-3) looked good on the rubber, striking out six BlueClaw (22-28, 52-69) while allowing just one earned run to score, but his bats could not pick him