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.
Opening Day Roster For 2025 Space Cowboys Set
In coordination with the Houston Astros, the reigning Triple-A National Champion Sugar Land Space Cowboys have announced their initial roster for the 2025 season. The 26-man roster is comprised of 15 pitchers, three catchers, five infielders and three outfielders. The breakdown by position can be found below. Pitchers: RHP AJ
Payasos Del Rodeo Copa Identity Unveiled for Sugar Land
As part of the continued participation in MiLB’s Copa de la Diversíon, the Sugar Land Space Cowboys revealed today their Copa identity for 2025, Payasos del Rodeo de Sugar Land, presented by Verizon 5G Home Internet. Designed by the organization, the ‘Payasos del Rodeo’ logo features a rodeo clown in
Four Space Cowboys Named To Astros 2025 Spring Breakout Roster
The 2025 Spring Breakout roster for the Houston Astros includes four Space Cowboys as announced on MLB Network on Thursday. The list includes RHP Miguel Ullola, INF Brice Matthews, INF Tommy Sacco Jr. and OF Jacob Melton. The full Spring Breakout roster can be found here. All four players were
Four Baseball Camps Scheduled for Summer 2025 at Constellation Field
Constellation Field will once again host four baseball camps during the upcoming summer presented by Raising Canes. Camps are open to children ages 6-12. Registration is available for all four dates here. Camps will run on the following dates: June 4 – 6 June 19 – 21 July 1 –
Single-Game Tickets On Sale Now For Space Cowboys Home Games
Single-game tickets for all 75 home games for the Sugar Land Space Cowboys are on sale now. Fans can purchase single-game tickets online here or at Regions Bank Ticket Office. The entire promotional schedule for 2025 has also been announced for Sugar Land and can be found here. Along with
Reigning Triple-A Champion Space Cowboys Launch 2025 Campaign
Today the reigning Triple-A National Champion Space Cowboys revealed their 2025 ‘Ascend’ campaign as they prepare for their fourth season, Mission Four, under the Space Cowboys name and fifth year as the top affiliate of the Houston Astros.
Full Promotional Schedule Announced For 2025 Space Cowboys Season
The defending Triple-A National Champion Sugar Land Space Cowboys have announced their full promotional schedule for the 2025 season at Constellation Field. With the promotional schedule announced, single-game tickets for all 75 home games will go on sale on Thursday, February 20 at 10 am, while flex plans are currently
Voting Opens For Orion As Best Minor League Baseball Mascot
Voting is now open for USA Today 10Best for the Best Minor League Baseball Mascot. As part of the voting, Sugar Land Space Cowboys mascot Orion is one of the candidates for top mascot in Minor League Baseball. Fans can vote for Orion online here or by visiting 10best.com. Voting
Sugar Land To Host National Anthem Tryouts on March 4
Update: We are no longer accepting individual National Anthem submissions at this time. If you would like information on group performances of the National Anthem, please contact Brandon McArthur at bmcarthur@astros.com. The Sugar Land Space Cowboys will host auditions for singers to perform the National Anthem at Space Cowboys home
Center Field Cinema Presented by Houston Methodist Returns To Constellation Field on March 14
Center Field Cinema presented by Houston Methodist returns to Constellation Field on Friday, March 14 at 6:30 pm. Gates open at 6:00 pm for a 6:30 pm screening of Moana 2 on the Texas-shaped videoboard at the home of the Space Cowboys. Tickets and parking are free, but tickets must
Space Cowboys Announce 2025 Coaching Staff
In conjunction with the Houston Astros, the defending Triple-A National Champion Sugar Land Space Cowboys have announced their coaching staff for the 2025 season. The staff will include manager Mickey Storey, pitching coach Sean Buchanan, hitting coach Joe Thurston, development coach Wladimir Sutil, head athletic trainer Takeaki Ando, strength and
Orion's Kids Club and Silver Stars Packages On Sale Now
Memberships for Orion’s Kids Club as well as Silver Stars ticket packages for the 2025 Sugar Land Space Cowboys season are available for purchase now. Memberships for Orion’s Kids Club start at just $39 and include a ticket to all 13 Sunday home games for the Space Cowboys in 2025,
Spring Baseball Schedule at Constellation Field For 2025 Announced
Spring baseball is coming to Constellation Field for 2025 starting on Friday, February 7. The slate of games coming to Constellation Field includes the Bregman Cares Classic from February 7-9, Purdue playing a four-game series against Stephen F. Austin State University from February 14-16, the University of Houston playing a
Special Valentine's Day Ticket Offer Available for Sugar Land Opening Weekend
Special through Valentine’s Day, the Sugar Land Space Cowboys are running a pair of ticket package promotions good for Opening Weekend of the 2025 season. The first of the two offers is the Sweet Spot Package, which includes two tickets in the Regions Bank Club and parking for just $99.
Astros Caravan Set To Make Stop At Constellation Field on January 24
The 2025 Astros Caravan makes its stop at Constellation Field on Friday, January 24 from 5 pm to 7 pm. Vouchers for the Astros Caravan stop in Sugar Land are free but must be claimed in advance at SLSpaceCowboys.com or here. Parking is free and all activities for the Astros
Suite and Club-Level Tickets On Sale For Cosmic Baseball Tour
Suites and club-level ticket packages are on sale now for both dates of the Cosmic Takeover Tour at Constellation Field on July 11 and 12. Those wishing to purchase suites or Regions Bank Club tickets can do so by calling (281) 240-4487 or by filling out this form. Suites include
DJ Pirson Named Pacific Coast League Home Clubhouse Manager of the Year
Sugar Land Space Cowboys Clubhouse Attendant DJ Pirson has been recognized as the 2024 Pacific Coast League Home Clubhouse Manager of the Year, as announced by Minor League Baseball on Tuesday. Pirson was selected as the top home clubhouse manager in the league based on the results of surveys of
Game Times For 2025 Space Cowboys Games Announced
Game times for all home and road games for the 2025 Sugar Land Space Cowboys season have been announced. The full schedule for the defending Triple-A National Champions can be found here. Most Space Cowboys games at Constellation Field from Tuesday through Friday will start at 7:05 pm. Saturday games
City of Sugar Land To Host Championship Celebration At Constellation Field
The 2024 Triple-A National Champion Sugar Land Space Cowboys and the City of Sugar Land will host a Championship Celebration on Thursday, October 17 at Constellation Field at 1:00 pm. In recognition of the Space Cowboys winning the Pacific Coast League Championship and Triple-A National Championship, Mayor Joe Zimmerman will
Astros Foundation and Cotton Holdings To Host Hurricane Relief Drives at Constellation Field and Minute Maid Park
The Astros Foundation and Cotton Holdings will host two hurricane relief drives in the Greater Houston area to support those affected by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. “For nearly 30 years, Cotton has played an integral part in rebuilding communities after catastrophic disasters. Yet, after everything we’ve seen, Hurricane Helene’s
Space Cowboys Announce Team Awards For 2024
The 2024 Triple-A National Champion Sugar Land Space Cowboys have announced their team awards for their season. Infielder Shay Whitcomb has been named the Team MVP, RHP AJ Blubaugh and RHP Ryan Gusto have been named Co-Pitchers of the Year and RHP Wander Suero has been named the Reliever of
Six Space Cowboys Named 2024 Pacific Coast League All-Stars
Six members of the 2024 Sugar Land Space Cowboys have been named Pacific Coast League All-Stars as announced by Minor League Baseball on Wednesday. They include outfielder Pedro León, designated hitter Shay Whitcomb, starting pitcher AJ Blubaugh, starting pitcher Colton Gordon, starting pitcher Ryan Gusto and reliever Wander Suero. León
Mickey Storey Named Pacific Coast League Manager of the Year
Sugar Land Space Cowboys Manager Mickey Storey has been named the Pacific Coast League Manager of the Year as announced by Minor League Baseball on Wednesday. This is the first Manager of the Year honor in Storey’s career. This season, Storey guided the Space Cowboys to both the first and
Offense Explodes As Space Cowboys Win Their First Triple-A National Championship
For the first time in franchise history, the Sugar Land Space Cowboys (96-59) are Triple-A National Champions as they defeated the Omaha Storm Chasers (91-61) in the winner-takes-all Triple-A National Championship game on Saturday night at Las Vegas Ballpark by a score of 13-6. The Space Cowboys were the first
Sugar Land Uses Long Ball To Clinch First Pacific Coast League Title
In a game that they led from the first inning, the Sugar Land Space Cowboys (2-0) defeated the Reno Aces (0-2) 5-2 to clinch their first Pacific Coast League Championship on Wednesday night at Constellation Field.