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.
Silver Sluggers Senior Discount Program Grows for 2025
The South Bend Cubs Silver Sluggers program is bigger and better than ever! Presented by Sterling Healthcare, fans that are 60 years old and above can purchase tickets at 50% off to every Wednesday home game in 2025. But membership in the Silver Sluggers Club is more than just a
Meijer Baseball Academy Registration Now Open for 2025 Season
SOUTH BEND, IN – With less than 30 days to Opening Day at Four Winds Field, the Cubs minor league players are getting ready for the upcoming baseball season in Arizona. In South Bend, the popular youth baseball training camps are now open for registration! The 2025 Meijer Baseball Academy
South Bend Cubs: Summer of Fun Ticket Package
Opening Night at Four Winds Field is officially less than two months away. In honor of this milestone, the South Bend Cubs are welcoming back baseball with one of last year’s most popular ticket specials, the Summer of Fun Ticket Package, as a continued effort to provide an affordable way
Enjoy an All-Inclusive VIP Experience on the United Federal Credit Union Rooftop
SOUTH BEND, IN – Enjoy a South Bend Cubs game in style on the United Federal Credit Union Rooftop. Single game tickets to four games are now available as part of a special all-inclusive VIP package. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR VIP TICKETS Normally reserved for larger groups, fans can
Nominate a Local Hero to be Recognized at a South Bend Cubs Game
SOUTH BEND, IN – The South Bend Cubs are proud to partner with Hoosier Lottery and honor Michiana heroes who do so much good for the community. Local teachers, police officers, and firefighters can be nominated, and the Cubs will honor one hero every Saturday home game at Four Winds
Steel topping ceremony for stadium improvements at Four Winds Field in South Bend
SOUTH BEND, Indiana (February 26, 2025) – Today, South Bend Mayor James Mueller, South Bend Cubs owner Andrew Berlin, along with the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians and other city officials, gathered in downtown South Bend for a steel topping ceremony at Four Winds Field. The city-owned stadium is approaching
Cubs Opening Night VIP Package On Sale February 24
UPDATE #1 (2/24 at 3:20pm): The home run porch is sold out so we have opened up seats in the Budweiser Picnic Garden. Less than half of those tickets remain. Order now before we sell out. SOUTH BEND, IN – It wouldn’t be Opening Night without the South Bend Cubs
South Bend Cubs Announce 2025 Promotional Schedule
SOUTH BEND, IN – Last week, Promo Palooza introduced three VIP ticket packages with special guests coming to Four Winds Field. Today, the South Bend Cubs have announced their complete 2025 Promotional Schedule. As announced last month, single game tickets will go on sale February 26 at 10:00 a.m. Click
The Country's First and Largest Donut & Beer Festival Coming to South Bend for First Time Ever
SOUTH BEND, IN - Outlier Events, the visionary team behind fan-favorite events like the Tots & Taps Festival, Mac and Cheese Festival, and Donut & Beer Festival, is excited to announce the debut of the the country’s first and largest Donut & Beer Festival coming to South Bend. Indiana’s Donut
South Bend Cubs Single Game Tickets On Sale February 26
SOUTH BEND, IN – Despite the subzero wind chills and snow on the ground, Cubs baseball returns to South Bend in just 82 days. Fans can mark their calendars as single game tickets for the 2025 season will go on sale on February 26 at 10:00am ET. Tickets will be
Chicago Cubs Announce 2025 South Bend Cubs Coaching Staff
SOUTH BEND, IN - In conjunction with the Chicago Cubs, the South Bend Cubs have announced the team’s field staff for the 2025 Midwest League season. Nick Lovullo is set to return for his second season as South Bend Cubs manager, after leading the team in 2024 for his first
NOW HIRING: South Bend Cubs Hiring Gameday Positions for 2025 Season
SOUTH BEND, IN - As pitchers and catchers report this week for the Chicago Cubs, the South Bend Cubs are gearing up for the 2025 season. Beginning today, the organization is looking for friendly, fan focused individuals to fill part-time, seasonal positions for the 2025 season. Applications are available now
Chicago Cubs Hall-of-Famer Shawon Dunston to Appear at Four Winds Field on May 22
SOUTH BEND, IN - Two-time MLB All-Star, and Chicago Cubs Hall-of-Famer Shawon Dunston is set to appear at Four Winds Field for a special meet-and-greet event on Thursday, May 22. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. for VIP ticket holders only and first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. as the
South Bend Cubs Now Accepting Auditions for 2025 National Anthem Performances
SOUTH BEND, IN - The South Bend Cubs looking for individuals and groups interested in performing “The Star-Spangled Banner” prior to home games at Four Winds Field for the 2025 season. The audition submission period is open from January 28 through February 28. Individuals, bands, choirs, and groups are invited
South Bend Cubs Announce Broadcast Extension with WSBT Radio
SOUTH BEND, IN - The South Bend Cubs and Mid-West Family Broadcasting have announced a three-year extension of their radio agreement to keep Cubs baseball on Sports Radio 96.1 FM WSBT. The extension will carry through the 2027 Midwest League season, and the upcoming 2025 campaign will be the tenth
South Bend Cubs Host Hearts for Haley Fundraiser on February 14
UPDATE (February 10): Bid on one of a kind items from the Chicago Cubs and local businesses with proceeds going to help pay the ongoing medical expenses for longtime South Bend Silver Hawks Manager and baseball ambassador Mark Haley. Items include autographed memorabilia by Chicago Cubs Kevin Alcantara, Pete Crow-Armstrong,
Registration Now Open for Stu & Ivy’s Reading Club
SOUTH BEND, IN – As classes resume following winter break, teachers and administrators can now sign up their students for Stu & Ivy’s Reading Club, presented by 1st Source Bank. The program is open to all students K-8 in counties across Michiana. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER YOUR CLASS OR SCHOOL
Top Prospect and Chicago Cubs Stars Headline 2025 Bobblehead Package
SOUTH BEND, IN – On National Bobblehead Day, the South Bend Cubs has announced their star studdled bobblehead lineup for the 2025 season. Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong and catcher Miguel Amaya join top prosect Matt Shaw and new mascot Ivy as part of a special ticket package, available now
South Bend Cubs Looking for Local Musicians to Perform Before Games
The South Bend Cubs are looking for local musicians that would like to perform at Four Winds Field prior to select games during the 2025 season. Performers can be soloists, acapella groups, jam bands, DJs, High School bands and more. CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE THE AUDITION FORM Selected individuals or
South Bend Cubs Host 2025 Special Olympics Polar Plunge on February 22
UPDATE: Fans who make a minimum $10 donation will be entered into a drawing for an autographed game program, signed by top Cubs prospects Matt Shaw, Owen Caissie, and Cade Horton! Help us reach our goal before February 22. DONATE TO THE SOUTH BEND CUBS PLUNGE BY CLICKING HERE SOUTH
Cubs Den Team Store Announces 2024 Holiday Sales
SOUTH BEND, IN – Voted best team store in baseball, the Cubs Den Team Store is your holiday shopping destination. Get the best price on a variety of quality items with the Gold Standard service you’ve come to expect. Plan your holiday shopping with this helpful guide of sales through
South Bend Cubs Offering Free Tickets for Holiday Donations
SOUTH BEND, IN - Help make a difference for a family in need this holiday season and make a donation to the South Bend Cubs Holiday Food and Toy Drive. Like last year, the Cubs have teamed up with the Food Bank of Northern Indiana to accept non-perishable food items
South Bend Cubs Black Friday Ticket Package On Sale November 29
UPDATE: Our Black Friday ticket packages sold out but due to high demand, we're offering an additional 50 packs on Cyber Monday. Includes tickets, Cubs Den voucher, parking and more! Offer available on December 2, online only. Click Here to Purchase a Cyber Monday Package - On Sale 12/2 SOUTH
South Bend Cubs Announce Game Times for 2025 Season
SOUTH BEND, IN - In conjunction with Major League Baseball, the South Bend Cubs have announced home game start times for the 2025 season. For the third straight year, South Bend will open the campaign on the road, but this time against the Beloit Sky Carp in Wisconsin on Friday,
South Bend Cubs Donate Over $100,000 to Local Charities during the 2024 Season
South Bend, IN - In a season where the South Bend Cubs broke their single-game attendance record, with 8,169 fans packing Four Winds Field on July 25, and with phase one of the stadium renovations currently taking place, the organization is celebrating many marquee moments this off-season. A number of