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.
Atlantic Union Bank to be a Founding Partner at CarMax Park
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels and Atlantic Union Bank announced today an expansion of their partnership that will include the Richmond-based regional bank becoming the first Founding Partner at CarMax Park, the new ballpark and community entertainment venue in Richmond expected to open in 2026.
Flying Squirrels Reveal 2025 Promotional Schedule
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels released their promotional schedule for the 2025 season on Friday afternoon, featuring 20 fireworks shows, bobbleheads, theme nights, the team’s 1000th game celebration and giveaways highlighting The Diamond’s 40th anniversary.
Star-Spangled Squirrels Fest set for July 4 at The Diamond
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels will host Star-Spangled Squirrels Fest on July 4 at The Diamond, the team announced on Tuesday. The Independence Day celebration will feature fireworks, live music, food and drink specials and more.
Flying Squirrels hosting Nutzy's Block Party on March 1
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels will host their annual Nutzy’s Block Party at The Diamond on Saturday, March 1, the team announced on Thursday.
Flying Squirrels accepting submissions for #1 Fan Bobblehead
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels are seeking nominations for their #1 Fan Bobblehead Contest presented by Pepsi, the team announced on Tuesday.
Giants set 2025 Flying Squirrels coaching staff
RICHMOND, Va. – Dennis Pelfrey will return to manage the Richmond Flying Squirrels for a fourth season in 2025, the team announced on Tuesday. He will become the longest-tenured manager in the history of the team.
Hall of Famer John Smoltz returning to Richmond for Flying Squirrels' Opening Night
RICHMOND, Va. – Former Richmond Braves pitcher and Hall of Fame inductee John Smoltz will join the Richmond Flying Squirrels for Opening Night at The Diamond on April 4, 2025, the team announced on Monday.
After leading Scottsdale to postseason, Pelfrey reflects on 2024 Arizona Fall League
SCOTTSDALE – The Arizona Fall League was hitting the back half of its schedule and Dennis Pelfrey’s Scottsdale Scorpions had won just five of their 17 games.
Individual-game tickets for Flying Squirrels' 2025 season on sale Nov. 18
RICHMOND, Va. – Individual-game tickets for the Richmond Flying Squirrels’ 2025 season will go on sale on Monday, November 18, the team announced on Wednesday afternoon.
Flying Squirrels announce home game times for 2025 season
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels announced game times for their 2025 home games on Wednesday afternoon.
Flying Squirrels hosting annual 'Squirrel-O-Ween' on Oct. 25
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels will host Squirrel-O-Ween, an annual Halloween celebration, at The Diamond on Friday, Oct. 25.
Flying Squirrels close 2024 season with 5-1 loss
ALTOONA, Pa. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels lost their season finale to the Altoona Curve, 5-1, on Sunday afternoon at Peoples Natural Gas Field.
Squirrels jump in front early, roll to 7-2 win over Curve
ALTOONA, Pa. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels pulled out to an early lead and cruised past the Altoona Curve, 7-2, on Saturday night at Peoples Natural Gas Field.
Morreale throws scoreless start but 10-run rally by Curve beats Squirrels
ALTOONA, Pa. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels surrendered 10 runs in the late innings and lost to the Altoona Curve, 10-3, on Friday night at Peoples Natural Gas Field.
Five-error night hands Squirrels loss
ALTOONA, Pa. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels committed five errors and lost to the Altoona Curve, 8-1, on Thursday night at Peoples Natural Gas Field. The Flying Squirrels (63-72, 29-37) dropped their second consecutive game in the season-ending road trip against the Curve (60-75, 31-35). In the second inning, Matt
Pregame Conversation: Bryce Eldridge
For today's pregame conversation, Richmond Flying Squirrels broadcaster Trey Wilson chats with first baseman Bryce Eldridge, who joined the team last week for the final two weeks of the 2024 season.
Squirrels rally but fall late to Curve
ALTOONA, Pa. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels came back from down four runs but lost late to the Altoona Curve, 8-7, on Wednesday night at Peoples Natural Gas Field.
Squirrels open road trip with 6-2 win
ALTOONA, Pa. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels pulled ahead in the early innings and received scoreless work from their bullpen to beat the Altoona Curve, 6-2, on Tuesday night at Peoples Natural Gas Field.
Squirrels drop home finale to 'Ducks
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels fell a game short of a sweep in their final homestand of the 2024 season, dropping Sunday’s series finale at The Diamond, 10-3, to the Akron RubberDucks.
Sellout crowd treated to fifth straight Squirrels win
RICHMOND, Va. – Victor Bericoto and Bryce Eldridge hit back-to-back homers in the first inning to help lift the Richmond Flying Squirrels to a 3-1 win over the Akron RubberDucks in front of a sold-out crowd at The Diamond on Saturday night.
Squirrels rally for fourth straight win
RICHMOND, Va. – After trailing by five runs early, the Richmond Flying Squirrels rallied to beat the Akron RubberDucks, 7-5, on Friday night at The Diamond.
Flying Squirrels walk off 'Ducks again in extras
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels outlasted the Akron RubberDucks for a 7-6 win in 10 innings on Thursday night at The Diamond, capped with a walk-off single by Victor Bericoto.
Flying Squirrels announce 2024 team awards
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels announced the recipients of their 2024 team awards in a pregame ceremony on Thursday night at The Diamond. Carter Howell was selected as the team’s Player of the Year and John Michael Bertrand was named the Pitcher of the Year.
Squirrels fight back for 10-inning walk-off
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels rallied with three runs in the bottom of the 10th inning to beat the Akron RubberDucks, 4-3, on Wednesday night at The Diamond.
Richmond Flying Squirrels and CarMax announce new ballpark and entertainment venue as CarMax Park
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels and Richmond-based CarMax, the nation's largest retailer of used cars, announced today that the new Richmond ballpark and community entertainment venue will be named CarMax Park. The multi-year exclusive naming rights for the new ballpark expands the partnership between the Flying Squirrels and