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.
Cardinals release 2025 Promotional Schedule
With Cardinals Baseball set to return to Hammons Field on April 4, we're excited to unveil our promotional schedule for the 2025 season! This year's schedule boasts more theme nights than we have ever had before as well as your favorite weekly promotions, the return of the Springfield Cashew Chickens
Austin French to perform postgame on Cardinals Faith & Family Night
SPRINGFIELD, MO - The Springfield Cardinals are excited to announce that Christian music artist Austin French will headline the second-annual Faith & Family Night Concert, presented by The Wind, at Hammons Field on August 15. Get ready for an inspring evening at the ballpark with French's concert, a Cardinals game
Jason Schwartz named new voice of Springfield Cardinals
SPRINGFIELD, MO - The Springfield Cardinals are excited to announce that Jason Schwartz has been named the team's new Play-by-Play voice starting in the 2025 season. Schwartz becomes the fifth lead broadcaster in the franchise's history, which began in 2005. "We're ecstatic to have Jason join our franchise's list of
Springfield Cardinals announce 2025 Coaching Staff
SPRINGFIELD, MO (January 17, 2025) - The St. Louis Cardinals have announced the Springfield Cardinals coaching staff assignments for the 2025 season. For the first time since 2021, Springfield will have a new manager in Patrick Anderson as well as two additional new personnel and four returners. After winning 2024
Hammons Field named 2024 Professional Baseball Field of the Year
SPRINGFIELD, MO (January 8, 2025) - The Sports Field Management Association and Springfield Cardinals have announced that Hammons Field, the home of the Springfield Cardinals, has been named the 2024 Professional Baseball Field of the Year. The SFMA Field of the Year honor is awarded to the best natural grass
St. Louis Cardinals Caravan returns to Springfield January 17
SPRINGFIELD, MO (January 6, 2025) - The St. Louis Cardinals and Springfield Cardinals have announced that the 2025 Cardinals Caravan will come through Springfield, MO on Friday, January 17 with an annual stop at Hammons Field. This year's guests visiting Springfield are current Cardinals RHP Andre Pallante, LHP Matthew Liberatore,
Holiday Three-Packs: How to buy and redeem
Celebrate the holidays Cardinals-style! 🎁 With our brand-new Holiday 3-Packs, pick out any three games you want AND your choice of an available past Promo Item, all for just $33! Click Here for 3 Games + a Past Promo Item for just $33! Or call us to order yours and
Matt Lloyd opens up about release from Reds, career path to Cardinals
Springfield outfielder Matt Lloyd was previously released by the Cincinnati Reds in 2022. After a stint in Independent Baseball, he recently landed with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2024. His first season back in affiliated baseball was stellar as he led the Springfield Cardinals in homers and RBI. In this
Matt Svanson talks trade to St. Louis and more in new interview
Matt Svanson was traded from the Toronto Blue Jays to the St. Louis Cardinals for shortstop Paul DeJong and cash in 2023. Since then, Svanson has become a franchise record holder for the St. Louis Double-A affiliate in Springfield and one of the most reliable relief pitchers in all of
Jimmy Crooks and Quinn Mathews named St. Louis Player and Pitcher of the Year
SPRINGFIELD, MO (October 14, 2024) - The St. Louis Cardinals have announced that Springfield Cardinals C Jimmy Crooks and LHP Quinn Mathews have won the organization's annual Minor League Player and Pitcher of the Year awards, respectively. Crooks becomes the eleventh Springfield Cardinal to win the Player of the Year
Cooper Hjerpe details his career in new interview
St. Louis Cardinals number 8 prospect Cooper Hjerpe is an intriguing sidearm thrower who has found a ton of success with his self-proclaimed "funky" delivery. In this sit-down interview with Steve Granado, Hjerpe details out his childhood, favorite team as a kid, his key to success in the Minors and
Jimmy Crooks named MVP, Tink Hence Pitcher of the Year among many Springfield award winners
SPRINGFIELD, MO (September 24, 2024) - Minor League Baseball has announced its 2024 Post-Season awards with multiple Springfield Cardinals collecting honors in the Texas League following their historic season. C Jimmy Crooks becomes the third straight Cardinal to win the Texas League MVP, while RHP Tink Hence was named Pitcher
Springfield's season ends with 6-5 loss to Arkansas
SPRINGFIELD, MO – The Springfield Cardinals season, despite a five-run fifth-inning rally, ended at the hands of the Arkansas Travelers at Hammons Field on Friday night. The Travelers muscled out a 6-5 win, launching three home runs including two from Victor Labrada to advance to the Texas League Championship Series.
Cardinals Toppled by Eight-Run 5th to Force Game Three
SPRINGFIELD, MO – The Arkansas Travelers scored eight runs in the top of the 5th inning and held off a late Springfield charge as the Cards dropped Game 2 of the Texas League North Division Championship Series 9-6 on Thursday night at Hammons Field. A decisive Game 3 takes place
Cards Clutch Up on Mound, Take Game One
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, AR – Chase Davis drove in two runs to pace the Cardinal offense, and Brandon Komar and Ryan Shreve each pitched out of bases loaded situations as Springfield defeated the Arkansas Travelers in the opener of the Texas League North Division Championship Series 4-1 at Dickey-Stephens Park.
Cards Close Out Regular Season With 9-5 Loss to Missions
SAN ANTONIO, TX – The San Antonio Missions scored six runs in the 6th and 7th innings combined and the Cardinals issued 7 walks as Springfield dropped the regular season finale 9-5 on Sunday afternoon at Nelson Wolff Stadium. The Cards finish the regular season a franchise-record 20 games over
More Records Fall as Cards Top Missions 3-2
SAN ANTONIO, TX – Four Springfield pitchers combined to rack up 15 strikeouts and made a three-run 5th inning stand as the Cardinals held on to defeat the San Antonio Missions 3-2 on Saturday night at Nelson Wolff Stadium. The Cardinals go into the season finale seeking a series win
Late Rally Sends Cards to Send Straight Loss
SAN ANTONIO, TX – The San Antonio Missions scored three times in the bottom of the 7th inning and the Cardinals went just 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position as Springfield dropped its 2nd straight with a 5-2 loss on Friday night at Nelson Wolff Stadium. Heading into Saturday the
Bernal Homers in Cardinals 4-1 Loss in San Antonio
SAN ANTONIO, TX – The San Antonio Missions scored all four or their runs and tallied four of their five hits in the 4th inning and the Cardinals went 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position as Springfield dropped a 4-1 decision at Nelson Wolff Stadium on Thursday night. The loss
Cards Make Springfield History With 2-1 Win Over Missions
SPRINGFIELD, MO – Benito Garcia matched a career high with 8 strikeouts over 4.2 innings of relief and Nathan Church went 3-for-4 as the Cardinals defeated the San Antonio Missions 2-1 on Wednesday night at Nelson Wolff Stadium. With the win the Cardinals set a new franchise record with their
Komar Shines as Cards Match Springfield Wins Record
SAN ANTONIO, TX – Brandon Komar allowed 3 runs over 7.2 innings and Leonardo Bernal went 4-for-5 with 2 RBIs as the Cardinals defeated the San Antonio Missions 7-3 on Tuesday night at Nelson Wolff Stadium. The win was the Cardinals’ 77th in 2024, tying a franchise record for victories
6th Inning Rally Lifts Cards Over Naturals in Home Finale
SPRINGFIELD, MO – The Cardinals scored 3 times in the bottom of the 6th inning to overcome a two-run deficit as Springfield defeated the NW Arkansas Naturals 4-3 on Sunday evening at Hammons Field. The Cards with the win earned a series split in the regular season home finale. Decisions:
Chase Davis homers in Springfield Cardinals debut
SPRINGFIELD, MO – The Springfield Cardinals (75-56) dropped a 6-3 decision to Northwest Arkansas Naturals on Saturday night. Newest Springfield Cardinal Chase Davis homered on the second pitch he saw in his first game. Decisions: W: Keylan Kilgore (5-5) L: Max Rajcic (10-11) S: Beck Way (11) Notables: - Chase
Cardiac Cards erase 5-0 deficit to take down Northwest
SPRINGFIELD, MO – The Springfield Cardinals (75-55) came back to take down the Northwest Arkansas Naturals by an 11-7 final at Hammons Field Friday night. The Cardinals are now two games shy of matching a franchise record 77 wins in a single season (2012, 2017) Decisions: W: Nathanael Heredia (2-0)