Mets top prospects look to make impact in the major leagues

PORT ST. LUCIE — The class of 2021 is a source of pride for the Mets as they look toward their pitching future.

Christian Scott, Mike Vasil and Dominic Hamel likely won’t be candidates to leave camp with the team, but the trio of top organizational pitchers — all drafted by the Mets in July 2021 — will receive a significant first opportunity for evaluation in the leagues major. spring training.

The Mets had originally planned for this group to start the team’s first three exhibition games this spring, but a buzzer went off about two weeks ago: Tylor Megill, Jose Butto and Max Kranick are now scheduled for those starts starting Saturday, according to pitching coach Jeremy. Hefner.

Christian Scott works out at Mets spring training. Corey Sipkin for NY POST

But there are still plans to incorporate Scott, Vasil and Hamel into matches later in the first week.

“Coming into camp, we have a pretty good idea of ​​who they are as pitchers,” manager Carlos Mendoza said. “The big key is that they are also preparing for their season. There’s no rush and don’t try to do anything crazy, especially at the start of camp. But we know who they are.

In Megill, Butto and Joey Lucchesi, among others, the Mets have depth behind their projected starting five of Kodai Senga, Luis Severino, Jose Quintana, Sean Manaea and Adrian Houser.

But Mendoza can also imagine prospects receiving an opportunity this season.

“To reach more than 162 [games] you’ll need a lot of them and they’re present in the conversation,” Mendoza said. “We’ll talk about depth, and they provide it in quality weapons. They have things they need to continue to work on, as do all of them, but it’s important to have guys knocking on the door who at some point will be a big part of what we’re trying to do. »

Scott, 24, is widely considered the organization’s top prospect after a season in which he started 19 games at three levels, reaching Double-A Binghamton.

The right-hander pitched to a 2.57 ERA with 107 strikeouts in 87 ²/₃ total innings.

The University of Florida product began his professional career as a reliever and only became a full-time starter last year.

. An oblique strain early in the season prompted Scott to change his mechanics, use his lower body and play better with his fastball.

“As a reliever, I only had to go out for an inning or two and being able to stay consistent for six or seven innings takes an adjustment or two,” Scott said.

Vasil, 23, reached Syracuse in the second half of last season, but said he initially struggled to adjust to the automated strike zone. He’s been encouraged by the fact that he’s allowed three or fewer earned runs in six of his last eight starts.

Mike Vasil works out at Mets spring training. Corey Sipkin for NY POST

“No excuses, but it was definitely an adjustment at first and I would say it was more of a mental game than a physical one because once I got used to it I knew I could throw strikes like I usually do,” Vasil said.

“But I think at first when you’re not getting calls, you think you would because it’s an automatic zone and it definitely throws you off. I think once I got into a rhythm at the end of the year, those last six to eight starts, I finished strong and I was really happy with that.

The right-hander made an appearance with the Mets during spring training last year, traveling to start against the Braves. The team officials were pleased with the composure Vasil showed during this outing.

Overall, the former University of Virginia star had a 4.79 ERA last season in his 26 starts for Binghamton and Syracuse.

Mets pitcher Dom Hamel talks to pitching coach Jeremy Hefner after throwing live batting practice in spring training. Corey Sipkin for NY POST

Hamel, the organization’s Pitcher of the Year in 2022, spent all of last season in Binghamton, where he pitched to a 3.85 ERA in 26 appearances, with 160 strikeouts in 124 innings.

“The first third of the year I started off really good, and then I went through a rough patch, just figuring out my usage with a few new locations,” said Hamel, who added a sweeper and cutter.

Hamel, 24, recognizes that the opportunity presents itself this season for himself, Scott and Vasil.

“It’s cool to see them pitch and succeed in their own way,” Hamel said. “It’s even better knowing we came from the same draft class.”

2024-02-21 01:08:26
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