7/12/26

Tom Brennan: Carson Benge? AJ Ewing, Too? I Just Pinched Myself


BENGE 


A lot has gone wrong this year for the Mets.

Even the superlative Juan Soto missed a few weeks with a leg injury.

But a few things have gone oh-so-extremely RIGHT - namely:

1) Carson Benge

2) AJ Ewing

Carson had a really tough first 3 weeks but has been SENSATIONAL since.

 - He’s already had Carson City named after him.

 - And the Mets just used their top pick for a guy named CARSON Wiggins.

Ben Carson told me you don’t have to be a brain surgeon to love Carson Benge.



EWING

AJ is already outstanding.

 - Better NY sports talent than the great Patrick Ewing? You decide.


Pinch me, I must be dreaming.

But forget me, how do you feel about each of these two?

I’d rather hear how thrilled YOU are with them. 

Could they be in the same class as Strawberry? Wright?

Better?


Let me know your thoughts in the comments.


Tom Brennan: Draft Day 1; Soto Last 162 Games; DSL OBP Means What, Exactly?

 


SUPER STAR OVER HIS LAST 162 GAMES


LAST 162 GAMES

162 games is a full season equivalent.

Superstar Juan Soto, in his last 162 games through Wednesday?

Juan Soto is hitting .286 with 166 hits, 49 home runs, 115 RBIs and 110 runs scored in 162 games in his last 162 games. (Source: Statmuse). I assume that is correct and up to date.

Tons of Soto walks, too. Which makes him a….

Superstar. 

Oh, right, I already said superstar.

So, if you think the Mets should burn it all down, and even trade Soto, think twice. Scalpels surgically handled are a more effective management tool in baseball than sledge hammers.

The draft is now underway, and the Mets have made a few picks. I certainly wish they could have a lot more picks, but then I guess so do other teams wish the same thing for their own teams.

I wish all the Mets’ draft picks well. My advice to them?  Be the best players you can be. 

If you are a pitcher, do not be afraid to throw strikes. Be afraid to not throw strikes.

If you’re a hitter, work on keeping your strike out rate low. Too many don’t. The ones that don’t almost always fail.


WHAT DO DSL OBP STATS REALLY MEAN?

So I looked at bonus baby Wandy Asigen mid-way through his game on Thursday:

He had been up very little this year so far, but he had been on base 12 of 18 times. What does that mean? It is probably very favorable, but his twelve times on base include 3 hits, plus…

EIGHT WALKS, and a HBP.

Walks are off the charts in the DSL this year. His game was suspended after 4 innings, and by then, DSL Mets Orange pitchers gave up, you guessed it…

EIGHT WALKS, and a HBP.

The game resumed, and the Mets squad eventually gave up 12 walks and 2 HBPs. Another typical game in the DSL, although in some games, control is apparently improving slowly.

I think that just about the only thing one can conclude with DSL hitting stats is that if someone’s OBP is high, that might be a good thing. 

But if their OBP is low, they probably are not going to accomplish much.

The walks are so extremely extreme in the DSL this year, that I would probably just focus on batting average and strikeouts per game when trying to evaluate a hitter’s performance. OBP in the DSL is misleading.

There is one DSL Mets hitter, Jonnhan Sanchez, hitting .367 with a .508 OBP in 29 games. The lefty hitter turned 19 two months ago. He may turn out to be one to watch. 

But keep this in mind: 

He is 17th in batting average, and only 58th in OBP, even with a .508 OBP! 

FIFTEEN Non-MET DSL GUYS stunningly have OBPs between .605 and .693!

How bad must the league’s pitching be, collectively?

P.S. Asigen, who missed some time earlier this season with a leg injury, stole his first two career bases, then got pinch hit for. I was concerned he might be hurt. But it seems he is OK, as he has since played another game, and now sits with a .593 OBP. 

I say: .600 or bust!

P.S. Elian Peña last year in the DSL hit .292 (70th) with a .421 OBP (80th).


OFF BASE PERCENTAGE

Mark Vientos falls slightly below the required number of plate appearances to “qualify”. If he qualified, he’d have the 3rd lowest On Base % in the majors, with Marcus Semien just two slots behind Mark.

That’s some tremendous OFF base % for those two. 

Around a .262 Off Base Percentage, combined.

Jake deGrom, career, has a .238 on base %, as a point of comparison.

With both Mark and Marcus now on the IL, one would surmise that the team’s ON base % should climb.

But these are the Mets, so I might be a little off-base here in saying that.





MACK - 2026 DRAFT - METS PICKS 1.27: RHRP Carson Wiggins - AND 3.92: OF Aiden Robbins

 


Pick 1.27

Carson Wiggins is a 6'5", 215-pound right-handed pitcher from Roland, Oklahoma, who plays for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks.

Born June 1, 2005 (age 21 as of mid-2026), he is a draft-eligible sophomore

Carson was a top high school prospect (top 100 overall, often ranked as a top-10 RHP in the 2024 class) but went undrafted due to signability concerns and committed to Arkansas.

College Career & Stats2025 (Freshman): Reliever role, 14 appearances, 14 IP, 1-1 record, 3.21 ERA, 20 K (12.86 K/9), 9 BB (5.79 BB/9), .143 opponent AVG (or .152 in some reports), 3 saves.

Season ended early due to elbow injury (UCL/internal brace surgery, often described as Tommy John).

2026 (Sophomore): Redshirted/missed the season recovering from surgery. He has been throwing bullpens and progressing;

MACK - Blade Tidwell revisited. Why do the Mets always have to pick the talented, injured guys? I

His limited track record (only 14 college innings) creates risk, but teams value his elite arm talent highly.

Draft projections for 2026 have varied (e.g., top 100 on MLB Pipeline, around 80-150 range across boards), with some seeing him as a potential Day 1 pick if healthy and signable.  

Repertoire

Wiggins is a classic flamethrower with a high-velocity, low-effort delivery and athletic build.

Fastball: Primary pitch, elite velocity. Averaged ~98.7 mph in 2025 (per MLB Pipeline), touched 102 mph. Features good rising action/carry and is a swing-and-miss weapon. In high school, it sat 96-98+ mph.

Slider: Excellent secondary offering with good movement, high spin, and whiff generation (one report noted a 74% miss rate in limited action). Often described as a plus or near-plus pitch that pairs well with the fastball. Sits in the upper 80s.

Others: He has a curveball (mid-80s, power shape) and changeup (or splitter in some reports), though he rarely used them in college (mostly fastball/slider in relief). Developing these will be key if he transitions to starting.

Scouting grades (from FanGraphs/others): Fastball 70/70, Slider 60/60, Command 20/30 (big area for improvement).

Outlook & Projection

Wiggins has huge upside as a high-leverage reliever (fastball/slider combo could move quickly) or potential starter with refinement. Control/command has been inconsistent (walks and wild pitches in college), which is common for young power arms. His size, athleticism, and easy velocity are pluses.

Injury history is the main red flag, but reports suggest he's healthy and throwing again heading into the draft period. Many view him as having mid-rotation or back-end bullpen potential at his ceiling, with teams likely to bet on the arm strength in the 2026 draft.

MACK - Why do the Mets always have to draft the highly talented, injured guy? Wiggins pitched in the combines and I assume he impressed one or more of the Mets nerds. Pure backend reliever... or is he? Me? Why go here when there are so many, highly talented pitchers still on the board? We're gonna have to wait on this one. Shades of Blade Tidwell. 

Grade: INC


Pick 3.92 - 


Aiden Robbins is a top college baseball outfielder (OF) for the University of Texas Longhorns and one of the standout prospects in the 2026 MLB Draft.

Background

Born: January 14, 2005 (age 21) in Yardley, Pennsylvania.

Bats/Throws: Right/Right.

Height/Weight: 6'2", around 200-205 lbs.

He attended Holy Ghost Preparatory School in Bensalem, PA, and was lightly recruited out of high school before committing to Seton Hall.

College Career

Seton Hall Pirates (2024-2025):

As a freshman in 2024, he started all 43 games and hit .302/.368/.512 with 6 HR and 31 RBI in 162 AB.

In 2025 (sophomore year), he broke out big: .422/.537/.652 with 6 HR, 38 RBI, and strong plate discipline in 53 games. His .422 average ranked among the top in Division I.

He also played in the Cape Cod Baseball League (Harwich Mariners) in both summers and won the league batting title in 2025.

Transfer to Texas Longhorns (2026):

Robbins transferred via the portal and had an outstanding junior season in the SEC.

He slashed roughly .333/.426/.696 (full season stats around 60 games) with 24 HR, 64 RBI, and strong production across the board. He led Texas in many offensive categories.

Highlights: SEC Newcomer of the Year, Golden Spikes Award semifinalist, hit for the cycle early in the season, and tied for one of the highest single-season HR totals in Texas program history (third-most).

He performed well in postseason play and helped Texas in regional/super regional action.

Scouting and Draft Outlook

Robbins is known as a pure hitter with a quick, compact right-handed swing, high leg kick, good bat speed, and excellent barrel control/hard-hit rates. He shows loud raw power (especially after adding strength), improved lift, and solid plate discipline.

Defense: Projected to a corner outfield spot (solid defender, above-average speed, average arm); he has played center and right field.

Draft Projection: Top-50 prospect, often ranked in the 20s-40s range (fringe first-round to early rounds). Seen as a high-floor bat with first-round upside due to his track record and tools.

He has been called a "Baseball Jesus" in some circles (related to his hair) and is praised for his work ethic, approach, and competitiveness. Robbins went from a mid-major standout to one of the top college hitters in the country after moving to Texas.

He's a polished, productive college bat ready to make an impact in pro ball soon.

MACK - I am extremely surprised that Robbins was still around for the 92nd pick. He was ranked 29th. I wouldn't be surprised to find out that the Mets had other plans and never expected him to be around. Fine with me. Excellent bat and glove. Should be ready just about the time Soto should move to first.

Grade: A

7/11/26

MACK: Hot Bats – Chase Meggers, Mitch Voit, Anthony Frobose

 


Period: 6/23-7/2

 


Chase Meggers/St. Lucie - .412/.474/.824, HR, 4-RBI, 7-H, 19-PA, 1.298-OPS

Chase Meggers is a 23-year-old catcher (born January 6, 2003, in Dublin, California) in the New York Mets organization. He plays for the Single-A St. Lucie Mets (Florida State League).

6'0", 205 lbs, bats left, throws right.

He played college baseball at the University of Oregon (Oregon Ducks).

In college, he had a solid career slash line of roughly .282/.349/.408 with 6 home runs in 82 games. He earned Honorable Mention All-Pac-12 honors in 2024.

He went undrafted in the 2025 MLB Draft and signed as a free agent with the Mets on July 21, 2025.

2025 (A): 19 games, .276 AVG, .382 OBP, .328 SLG, 0 HR, 6 RBI, 5 SB in 68 PA. He showed good contact and plate discipline early on.

Overall minor league stats (through available 2026 data): Around .24–.25 AVG, limited power (mostly gap hits and singles), and decent speed for a catcher (6–7 SB).

He primarily catches but has also seen time at first base.

As a recent undrafted free-agent signee, Meggers is a depth prospect focused on defensive skills behind the plate rather than big offensive upside. He's still early in his pro career and working to adjust to full-season ball. Mets fans might see him as a potential organizational catcher who could climb the ladder if he improves his bat and maintains his receiving skills.

 


Period: 6/24-7/3

 

Mitch Voit/Brooklyn - .360/.467/.760, 3-HR, 5-RBI, 9-H, 30-PA, 1.227-OPS

Mitch Voit (full name: Mitchell Veblen Voit) is a 21-year-old infielder (primarily second baseman) in the New York Mets organization. He was born on September 30, 2004, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and bats/throws right-handed. He stands 6'0" and weighs about 201 lbs.

Voit was a standout two-way player (position player and pitcher) for the University of Michigan Wolverines. He had a strong junior year in 2025 as a full-time position player after elbow surgery the previous year:

Batted .346/.471/.668 with 14 HR, 60 RBI, 17 doubles, 4 triples, and 14 stolen bases in 56 games.

Led the team in several offensive categories and showed excellent plate discipline (more walks than strikeouts).

Earned honors including All-Big Ten First Team, All-Defensive Team, and D1Baseball All-America Third Team.

He previously played third base, first base, and outfield, plus pitched (low-90s fastball) in earlier seasons before focusing on hitting.

The Mets selected Voit with the 38th overall pick (Competitive Balance Round A) in the 2025 MLB Draft — their first selection that year due to luxury tax penalties. He signed for a $1.75 million bonus and is viewed as a polished, athletic infielder with upside.

2025 (debut): Played 22 games with Single-A St. Lucie, hitting .235/.343/.294 with 1 HR, 8 RBI, and an impressive 20 stolen bases (in 21 attempts).

Scouting profile (2026): Hit 55, Power 50, Run 60, Arm 60, Field 50, Overall 50.

He's athletic, explosive, and versatile across the infield, with a compact swing and improving approach. The Mets have successfully developed other former two-way players.

Known for his competitive, winner's mentality and excitement about joining a big-market, competitive Mets organization.

Voit is a promising middle-infield prospect with speed, emerging power, and defensive versatility. As of mid-2026, he's progressing well in High-A and ranks among the Mets' better prospects. Keep an eye on him as he climbs the minors!

 


Period: 6/26-7/5 

Anthony Frobose/FCL Mets - .333/.400/.917/1.317-OPS

Anthony Frobose (full name: Anthony Jason Frobose) is a 18-year-old shortstop and right-handed pitcher in the New York Mets organization.

Born: July 17, 2007, in Yorktown Heights, New York.

High School: Lakeland High School (Shrub Oak, NY), where he was a standout two-way player (shortstop and RHP).

Draft: Selected by the Mets in the 9th round (283rd overall) of the 2025 MLB Draft. He signed for a bonus above slot value (reported around $387,500) and skipped his commitment to Rutgers University.

As a local New York kid (Westchester County), being drafted by the Mets was a "dream come true" for him. He grew up rooting for the Yankees but quickly switched his allegiance.

Height/Weight: 6'1", ~170 lbs.

Bats/Throws: Right/Right.

Scouting Notes: Athletic, multi-sport background (including football). He has solid actions at shortstop with a strong arm (up to 92+ mph infield velocity in high school showcases). On the mound, he has touched 93-94 mph. His offensive game is still developing—he needs to add strength and smooth out his swing (described as sometimes uphill)—but he shows contact ability, speed, and power potential.

In high school (senior year), he hit .357 with a 1.182 OPS and 2 HRs, while posting a 2.58 ERA on the mound. He was ranked as the No. 14 player in New York and No. 4 shortstop in the state by Prep Baseball Report.

He made his pro debut in 2025 with the FCL Mets (Florida Complex League/Rookie level) and has continued there into 2026. Early minor-league stats show promise mixed with the typical struggles of a young, raw prospect:

The Mets are developing him primarily as a position player (shortstop) while retaining two-way potential.

He's still very early in his career—expect him to work through the lower minors (FCL → Single-A) over the next couple of seasons.


Ernest Dove - Interview with RHP Garrett Stratton

 


Ernest Dove interviews the Rumble Ponies' RHP Garrett Stratton.

See the interview here.

As always, if you want to stay current on Mets prospects, read about them at Mack's Mets or hear about them on the Dove Report.

Reese Kaplan -- Who Will Be Coming Back in 2027?


Obviously many changes are coming to the Mets unless they’re embracing total and embarrassing failure with a bear hug.  Many people are destined to leave in free agency and others have simply worn out their welcome.  Instead of figuring out who will be gone, let’s instead look at who likely will be back under the helm of a new skipper when 2027 Spring Training rolls around.  
So who will you bring back?

Jorge Polanco is going to be back.  He earns too much money and provided too little in the very brief time he was on the field to make him tradeable.  You’re either keeping him here and hoping for the best or you cut him loose and eat the $20 million he’s still owed.

Marcus Semien is in a similar situation.  He has not provided much with his bat and this trend has been relevant for the past few years.  Again, either you need to to eat a lot of contract money or plan for him being the most expensive bench player in the league.

Francisco Lindor has a contract that makes him difficult to trade.  The $31.4 million per year until 2031 and a full no trade clause make him a Met for the foreseeable future.  Aside from his injury riddled 2026 campaign he has shown to earn his keep, so a great many Mets supporters will not be upset to see him take him customary position at shortstop.

Third base is a big black hole.  Bo Bichette is turning into the kind of hitter expected though not worth over $40 million per year.  He has the opt out on his side, so no one knows if he will be back or not. Obviously neither Brett Baty nor Mark Vientos are the answer.  

The current outfield as it is deserves to be back.  Juan Soto is a true superstar, delivering power, speed and batting average.  He is the kind of guy who can do damage at any time with a single swing of the bat.  Carson Benge has certainly righted his early foundering ship.  A.J. Ewing initially looked slightly overmatched be he too has found his stroke and deserves to be in the lineup every day. 

Catcher Francisco Alvarez is hitting for a higher batting average than any other time in his major league career but it seems to be coming at the expense of his long ball power.  That tradeoff is acceptable and while he’s still earning very little he’s not likely to go anywhere. 

In the starting rotation you have two rock solid entries in young hurlers Nolan McLean and Christian Scott.  If they stay healthy then they could provide the next 3-4 years of low cost quality every fifth day on the mound.  If Clay Holmes does not opt out then you have 60% of a starting rotation ready to go.

Both Sean Manaea and Kodai Senga are a lot like the unwanted infielders whose contracts are unmovable.  At some point you just have to swallow hard and eat the bad money.

The bullpen currently has Devin Williams in a multi year deal.  After him is possibly another year of Luke Weaver, Huascar Brazoban and not a lot else unless you think Reed Garrent or Dedniel Nunez are going to be key pieces.  There are no lefties with both A.J. Minter and Brooks Raley set to hit free agency. 

Yes, there are a lot of needs.  Notice there is no first baseman.  There is no resolution at second base.  There is a huge question at third base. Two starting pitchers and probably two to three more relievers are needed.

Oh yeah, a manager, too...

7/10/26

MACK – Hot Arms – Maxgregori Harvey, Franyel Diaz, Ernesto Mercedes, Tyler McLoughlin, Alsy Torres, Parker Carlson

 


Period:  6/15-6/28

 


Maxgregori Harvey/DSL Orange – 1.00-WHIP. 3-IP. 3-K, BB, 0-ER. 0.00-ERA

Maxgregori Adrian Harvey is a young right-handed pitching prospect in the New York Mets organization.

Born: November 12, 2006 (age 19 as of mid-2026) in La Romana, Dominican Republic.

Height/Weight: 6'2" / 180 lbs.

Bats/Throws: Right/Right.

Signed: By the Mets as an international free agent in January 2024 (minor league contract, reportedly around a $50,000 signing bonus).

He began his pro career in the Dominican Summer League (DSL) with the DSL Mets Orange team.

2024: 6 appearances (0 starts), 0-1 record, 6.75 ERA in 9.1 IP, 9 strikeouts, but a high 2.36 WHIP (including 14 walks). He has pitched mostly in relief, with a couple of saves noted.

In 2025, he dealt with injuries (placed on the 60-day IL in May, activated in November).

Control has been an issue early on (high walk rate ~13.5 BB/9 in limited innings), which is common for young international signees still adjusting to pro ball.

Harvey is a low-level prospect with limited public scouting details available.

 


Franyel Diaz/FCL – 1.33-WHIP, 3-IP, 2-K, BB, 0-ER, 0.00-ERA

Franyel Diaz is a 21-year-old right-handed pitching prospect (born December 18, 2004, in San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic) in the New York Mets organization.

He stands 6'7" and weighs around 208 lbs. The Mets signed him as an international free agent in July 2022.

Diaz has pitched mostly in the lower minors (DSL, FCL, Complex League, and Low-A), with limited innings due to development and some injuries. Key minor league stats include:

MiLB Career (through mid-2026): ~3.14 ERA, 108 strikeouts in 91.2 IP, 1.49 WHIP across 37 games (13 starts).

2023 (DSL, age 18): 3.00 ERA in 45 IP (mostly starts), 10.8 K/9, strong strikeout ability but some walks.

2025 (DSL, age 20): 4.13 ERA in 32.2 IP, high walk rate (7.7 BB/9) but solid strikeouts (~10.5 K/9).

2026: Shifted toward relief; strong strikeout rates

He profiles as a projectable, high-upside arm with strikeout stuff, though he remains raw with command and consistency challenges typical for tall, young Dominican signees working through the complex levels

Repertoire

Early scouting reports

a mediocre fastball (88-90 mph) paired with a plus slider (81-84 mph) that was his standout pitch in the DSL. The slider featured ride and moderate sweep, generating high whiff rates (including in-zone whiffs), chases, and strong CSW% against younger hitters.

Later reports (around 2024-2025 development) noted an expanded arsenal as he transitioned and added pitches for better platoon handling and weak contact:

Fastball(s): Four-seam and two-seam/sinker. The two-seamer/sinker induces ground balls, especially to righties.

Slider/Cutter-Slider: Primary breaker, comfortable for strikes or chases; second-most used pitch in some looks.

Changeup: Solid vs. lefties, with swing-and-miss potential when located well (command can be inconsistent).

Curveball: Previously used but reportedly de-emphasized or dropped in favor of the new mix.

The goal with the added sinker and refined slider/cutter has been to complement his strike-throwing ability with more ground-ball induction and swing-and-miss options against both handedness. His height likely aids extension and angle, though it can contribute to control variability.

Overall, Diaz has the frame and stuff (led by the slider) to climb the system as a potential starter or high-leverage reliever, but he'll need to refine command and handle higher levels.

 


Ernesto Mercedes/St. Lucie – 1.50-WHIP, 3.1-IP, 6-K, 3-BB, 0-ER, 0.00-ERA

Ernesto Mercedes is a 22-year-old right-handed pitching prospect (born October 14, 2003, in Pimentel, Dominican Republic) in the New York Mets organization.

He signed as an international free agent (UDFA) in January 2022 for a small bonus and stands 6'2", 180 lbs. He remains a minor leaguer and has not debuted in MLB.

Mercedes has shown strikeout stuff but struggles with control and consistency, leading to high walk rates and some rough seasons:2022 (DSL, age 18): 0-2, 3.72 ERA, 36.1 IP, 10.2 K/9, 7.2 BB/9.

2023 (FCL/A): 2-2, 3.24 ERA, 33.1 IP, strong K rates (~10-12 K/9) but high walks.

2024 (A, St. Lucie): 0-11, 5.54 ERA in 65 IP — tough year with command issues (high walks, 12.3 K/9).

2025 (FCL/A): Much better — 4-2, 3.27 ERA, 44 IP, 11.5 K/9, still elevated walks.

Overall minor-league career: High-K profile (around 11+ K/9 in better stretches) but poor command (career ~7-8 BB/9 range) and fly-ball tendencies. He has worked as both a starter and reliever.

He has dealt with injuries and development list time, which is common for young arms.

He profiles as a fly-ball pitcher with strikeout upside but needs better control and consistency to progress. The Mets' player development has helped him improve at times (e.g., 2025), focusing on command and pitch mix.

Outlook:

Mercedes has the raw stuff (high Ks, promising breaking pitches) to climb the system but must cut walks and stay healthy. He's a depth/arm-strength prospect rather than a top-tier one currently.


PERIOD: 6/22-7/5

 


Tyler McLoughlin/St. Lucie – 0.40-WHIP, 5-IP, 10-K, 2-BB, 0.00-ERA

Tyler McLoughlin is a right-handed pitching prospect in the New York Mets organization, currently playing for the Single-A St. Lucie Mets (Florida State League).

Born: July 1, 2002 (age 24 as of 2026)

Height/Weight: 6'3", 222 lbs

Bats/Throws: R/R

Draft: 10th round (313th overall) in 2025 by the Mets out of the University of Georgia; signed for $7,500.

He was a two-way player (primarily a position player with pitching) at Emory University (D-III) before transferring to Georgia. At Emory, he had strong offensive seasons (e.g., .352/.463/.697 with 12 HR in 2023) and pitched well in relief. Limited innings at Georgia due to injury in 2024, but in 2025 he posted a 4-0 record, 4.19 ERA, and 27.3% strikeout rate in 19.1 IP.

He is viewed as a relief pitcher with arm strength and some intriguing stuff, though he has limited professional innings and control/command issues so far.

McLoughlin has struggled with results in limited Low-A action:

2025: 2 appearances (1 GS), 7.71 ERA in 2.1 IP (high strikeouts but walks).

He has shown flashes of dominance

Repertoire and Pitching Style

McLoughlin throws from a low three-quarters/slingy arm slot with an effortful, loose/whippy delivery (described as "all arms-and-legs" with a leg kick). This creates some deception but contributes to inconsistent command/control.

Key pitches (per scouting reports around the draft):

Fastball: Sits low-to-mid 90s (averages ~94 mph), touches 96–98 mph. Features good ride/upward life in the zone. He can also cut it.

Slider/Cutter: Mid-80s (high-80s in some reports). Gets late glove-side movement/hop.

Curveball: Low-80s offering for shape/variety.

He has high spin rates across the mix, which boosts the fastball's effectiveness and breaking ball bite. His profile fits a high-upside, strikeout-oriented reliever if he can improve consistency and command.

Overall Outlook: McLoughlin is a recent draftee with promising velocity and movement but is still early in his pro development. He's generating swings-and-misses in A-ball but needs to refine control to climb the ladder.

 


Alsy Torres/DSL Orange – 0.50-WHIP. 4-IP, 3-K, 2-BB, 0.00-ERA

Alsy Noel Torres is a young right-handed pitching prospect in the New York Mets organization.

Born: October 29, 2007 (age 18 as of mid-2026) in San Jose de Ocoa, Dominican Republic.

Height/Weight: 6'3", 160 lbs (listed as very lean/projectable frame).

Bats/Throws: Right/Right.

The Mets signed him as an international free agent on September 29, 2025, to a minor league contract (typical for many DSL-level signees, with no major publicized bonus).

He began his professional career in the Dominican Summer League (DSL) in 2026, initially bouncing between DSL Mets Orange and Blue squads before settling in.

Torres is an early-stage developmental arm. At 6'3" and skinny, he has significant physical projection remaining.

 


Parker Carlson/Brooklyn – 0.75-WHIP, 4-IP, 3-K, 1-BB, 0.00-ERA

Parker Carlson is a 23-year-old right-handed pitcher (born February 28, 2003, in Mobile, AL) in the New York Mets organization. He stands 6'2" and weighs 192 lbs. He signed with the Mets as an undrafted free agent in July 2025 after a four-year college career at Auburn University.

Carlson primarily worked as a reliever at Auburn. His senior year (2025) was his strongest: 3-1 record, 4.28 ERA, 17 appearances (27.1 IP), 29 strikeouts vs. just 5 walks, and opponents hit .220 against him. He showed strong control throughout college but modest strikeout rates and some inconsistency. He became the 10th Auburn player from the 2025 class to turn pro.

In 2026, Carlson has split time between High-A Brooklyn (Cyclones) and AAA Syracuse (Mets), mostly in relief with some starts. His minor-league line shows solid control but modest strikeout production so far. He has reached AAA quickly for a recent undrafted signee and has been described by Baseball America as a deep sleeper in the Mets system.

Limited innings and some time on the development list.

He added velocity in pro ball after sitting 90-91 mph in college.

Repertoire

Carlson features a wide repertoire with good control. In limited 2026 AAA looks (per pitch-tracking data):

Cutter (primary pitch, ~45% usage): ~87 mph, high spin (~2310 rpm), good horizontal movement. High Stuff+ rating.

Slider (~25%): ~84 mph, solid movement and spin.

Changeup (~15%): ~86 mph, effective vs. righties or as a change-of-pace.

Sinker/Four-seamer (lower usage): ~90-91 mph.

Overall profile: Average-to-plus stuff potential with velocity up to 93-97 mph (sitting 93-95 in spring 2026 per reports). He profiles as a multi-pitch reliever (or possible swingman) who relies on command and pitch mix rather than overpowering velocity. His tjStuff+ metrics rate favorably, especially the cutter and slider.

Carlson is an unheralded but intriguing depth piece with sleeper upside due to his improved velocity, control, and diverse arsenal. As a recent undrafted college arm, reaching AAA in his first full pro season is a positive sign. He could develop into a middle-relief or high-leverage bullpen option if he maintains the velo jump and sharpens his stuff.