Eddie
From Corona said –
“I just don’t know enough about Jack Wenninger”
A deep dive…
Born March 14, 2002, in
Barrington, Illinois, the 6’4”, 210-pound hurler has emerged as a promising
prospect.
He bats left-handed but
throws right-handed, showcasing a high-waisted frame with room for physical
growth. His professional career began in 2023 with brief stints in the Florida
Complex League Mets and Single-A St. Lucie, and he has since progressed rapidly
through the Mets’ minor league system.
Career Progression and
2024-2025 Performance
College
Career: Wenninger
started at Murray State University, posting a 5.26 ERA over 51.1 innings as a
freshman, earning All-OVC Freshman Team honors. He transferred to Illinois,
where he improved to a 4.59 ERA over 80.1 innings in his junior year, striking
out 76 and walking 28.
2023 (Pro Debut): After
signing for $225,000, Wenninger made two appearances split between the Florida
Complex League Mets and St. Lucie.
2024 (Single-A and High-A):
Wenninger started the season with Single-A St. Lucie, where he posted a 5.02
ERA over 71.2 innings, striking out 89 and walking 14, with a 3.97 FIP and 3.02
xFIP indicating better underlying performance. Promoted to High-A Brooklyn in
July, he excelled with a 3.12 ERA over 43.1 innings, striking out 51 while
reducing his home run rate from 1.26 HR/9 to 0.21 HR/9. His 140 total
strikeouts ranked second in the Mets’ system behind Jonah Tong.
2025 (Double-A): Assigned
to Double-A Binghamton as the Opening Day starter, Wenninger has had a breakout
season. Through 18 starts, he recorded a 2.96 ERA, 109 strikeouts, and 25 walks
over 91.1 innings, trailing only Jonah Tong in the Eastern League for
strikeouts and ERA. A notable outing on July 6, 2025, saw him strike out 11
over six innings against Hartford, allowing two hits and no earned runs,
reaching 100 strikeouts for the season. His ERA as of early June was 2.56 with
a 0.93 WHIP and a .186 opponent batting average.
Pitching
Repertoire
Wenninger’s arsenal is
diverse, with a focus on a fastball-splitter combination, complemented by
secondary pitches that have evolved as he’s climbed the minor league ranks. His
high three-quarters to over-the-top arm slot enhances the deception and movement
of his offerings.
Here’s a breakdown of his
repertoire:
Fastball (50-grade): Sits 91-94 mph, occasionally touching 96
mph, with 18 inches of induced vertical break and 13.5 inches of horizontal
movement. It features armside run and plays up due to his 6’4” frame and
excellent extension. In 2025, he’s shown increased velocity, sitting 94-95 mph
at Double-A. Command can waver in longer outings, with velocity sometimes
dropping to the low 90s.
Splitter/Changeup
(55-grade): His
best pitch, thrown at 82-85 mph, with late drop and fade that generates high
whiff rates against both left- and right-handed hitters. It tunnels well with
his fastball, showing similar horizontal movement but greater vertical
separation, making it his go-to out pitch. Referred to as a splitter in 2025
reports, it’s evolved from the changeup he leaned on in college and early pro
ball.
Slider (45-grade): A
low-80s offering that has transitioned from a sweeper to a shorter, gyro slider
in 2025. It shows enough depth to be a fringe-average pitch with potential for
growth. He’s used it more at higher levels to diversify his arsenal.
Curveball (45-grade): A
high-70s to 84 mph pitch with developing control, used as a get-me-over
offering. Recent reports note a spike curveball with added depth and power,
though it remains a work in progress.
Two-Seamer/Sinker
(Developing): Introduced in 2025 to attack right-handed hitters, this
pitch adds a new dimension to his arsenal. It’s still in the experimental phase
but complements his north-south pitching style.
Cutter (Developing): Occasionally
mixed in at High-A and merged into his slider in 2025, this pitch is less
prominent but part of his effort to deepen his repertoire.
Scouting
Notes and Future Outlook
Wenninger’s high arm slot
and loose, repeatable delivery allow him to throw strikes consistently, with a
6.3% walk rate in 2025. His splitter gives him reverse-splits potential, making
him effective against left-handed hitters. His command, while generally solid
(65% strike rate across most pitches), needs refinement, particularly with his
fastball, to maintain effectiveness in longer outings.
The Mets have been
aggressive with his development, pushing him to Double-A at age 23, where he’s
responded with a career-best performance. His 29.9% strikeout rate and ability
to limit walks suggest a mid-rotation starter ceiling, though his arsenal’s depth
will be tested at higher levels. If his secondary pitches continue to develop,
particularly the slider and curveball, he could solidify his role as a starter.
Otherwise, his fastball-splitter combo could make him a valuable multi-inning
reliever. His estimated MLB arrival is 2026, potentially reaching Triple-A by
late 2025 if his progress continues.
Intangibles
Wenninger is praised for
his work ethic and competitiveness, with Binghamton pitching coach Dan McKinney
calling him a “phenomenal kid” and “stud worker” with “off-the-charts makeup.”
His ability to perform under pressure is evident, with opponents hitting just
.108 with runners in scoring position in 2025.
In summary, Jack Wenninger
is a rising Mets prospect with a versatile five-pitch mix led by a plus
splitter and a solid fastball. His breakout 2025 season at Double-A highlights
his potential as a future MLB starter, with continued development of his secondary
pitches being key to his trajectory.
Ernest
Dove @ernestdove
Mets 18 yr old RHP prospect Joel
Lara made his 3rd appearance at the Low A level last night. Threw 94-98 mph with a slider
In total over the 3 app
6.1 inn 3 H
1 ER 7 BB 6 K
Great experience for something this young.
A deep dive…
Joel David Lara
Position: Relief Pitcher
Bats/Throws: Right/Right
Physical: 6'2", 210
lbs
Age: 18 (Born January 11,
2007, in San Cristobal, Dominican Republic)
Status: Active
2024 - 2 DSL Mets teams: 15-G, 2-ST, 4-2, 3.49, 1.37, 28.1-IP, 33-K, 8-BB
2025 – FCL Mets: 11-G, 1-ST, 2-1, 3.93, 2.02, 18.1-IP, 25-K, 19-BB
Ernest
Dove @ernestdove
The Mets
this milb season have multiple undrafted players thriving throughout the system
including 24 yr old OF John Bay in Low A.
14 gm
.333/.491/.571/1.062
Always a
very long winding road journey for these guys. Always worth rooting for.
A deep dive…
John Bay is
a 23-year-old outfielder in the New York Mets’ minor league system, currently
playing for the Single-A St. Lucie Mets in 2025.
He was drafted by the Mets in the 10th round
(294th overall) of the 2024 MLB Draft from Austin Peay State University.
Background:
Born in Clarksville,
Tennessee, Bay played college baseball at Austin Peay, where he earned
accolades such as First Team All-ASUN in 2024 and NCBWA Third Team All-America
in 2024. He was a standout in the ASUN Conference, showcasing power and
consistency at the plate.
2025
Performance: Bay has made an impact in his first full professional season
with St. Lucie. Notably, he recorded four hits in a single game and drove in
two runs with his first professional hit for St. Lucie.
Playing
Style:
As an outfielder, Bay is
recognized for his offensive potential, particularly his power hitting.
Specific details about his defensive skills or exact batting statistics (e.g.,
batting average, home runs) for 2025 are limited in the provided data, but his
college performance suggests a strong bat with extra-base hit potential. His
professional development is ongoing, and he’s considered a prospect to watch in
the Mets’ system.
Scouting
Notes:
Baseball America and
MiLB.com note his athleticism and ability to play multiple outfield positions,
with 46 appearances in left field, 11 in center, and 11 in right during his
2023 season with St. Lucie. His 14 outfield assists in 123 appearances highlight
a strong arm.
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