18. R.J. Gordon
23/years
old 6-0 195 RHSP
2025: A +/AA -
26-G, 21-ST, 11-3, 3.36, 1.23, 128.2-IP, 46-BB, 147-K
GROK
-
R.J.
Gordon is a right-handed
pitcher and a prospect in the New York Mets organization, currently ranked as
their No. 25 prospect. Born on October 26, 2001, in Thousand Oaks, California,
he stands at 6'0" and weighs 195 pounds. Gordon was selected by the Mets in
the 13th round (383rd overall) of the 2024 MLB Draft out of the University of
Oregon.
Gordon grew
up in Santa Clarita, California, and attended Notre Dame High School in Sherman
Oaks before transferring to West Ranch High School for his senior year.
Initially a two-way player (outfielder and pitcher), he transitioned to
full-time pitching at Oregon under coach Mark Wasikowski. His high school
career was impacted by injuries, including a freshman-year setback, and his
senior season was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this, he batted
.414 in his abbreviated senior year and drew attention from college scouts,
committing to Oregon.
At Oregon,
Gordon had a notable college career, finishing with a 14-9 record and a 5.22
ERA over 51 appearances (28 starts) and 182.2 innings, with 155 strikeouts and
89 walks. In 2024, his redshirt junior season, he was named Honorable Mention
All-Pac-12, starting 17 games with a 7-6 record, 5.13 ERA, 87 strikeouts, and
46 walks in 94.2 innings.
He missed the
2023 season due to a UCL injury requiring internal brace surgery but returned
as Oregon’s opening day starter in 2024.
In his
professional career, Gordon debuted with the High-A Brooklyn Cyclones in 2025,
posting a 3.06 ERA with 76 strikeouts in 67.2 innings over 15 appearances.
Promoted to
Double-A Binghamton in July 2025, he excelled, going 6-0 with a 3.00 ERA in
nine appearances (eight starts).
Fastball: Gordon has expressed a goal of reaching 100
mph, a common aspiration among young pitchers. While he hasn’t hit that mark,
his fastball velocity has been sufficient to compete effectively at the
professional level.
Kick Change: Upon joining the Mets, Gordon began
developing a kick change, a pitch popularized by pitchers like Clay Holmes. He
noted that this pitch suits his post-surgery mechanics and has become one of
his best offerings. The kick change likely provides deception and movement,
helping him keep hitters off balance.
Gordon
emphasizes unpredictability, stating that he aims to keep hitters guessing with
no clear tendencies in his pitch selection. This suggests a varied arsenal,
likely including additional pitches like a slider, curveball, or cutter, though
specific details on these are not explicitly documented in the sources. His
ability to mix pitches effectively has contributed to his success, particularly
in Double-A.
Gordon’s
first professional season showcased his potential. His 3.06 ERA in High-A and
3.00 ERA in Double-A reflect consistency and adaptability. His strikeout rate
(10.1 K/9 in Double-A) and low walk totals demonstrate improving command.
Gordon’s
rapid rise from a 13th-round pick to the Mets’ No. 25 prospect underscores his
potential. He’s part of a strong Mets pitching prospect group, including Jonah
Tong, Nolan McLean, and Jonathan Santucci.
Gordon’s
journey from injury setbacks to a promising professional start highlights his
resilience and talent. His ability to develop a new pitch like the kick change
and his focus on unpredictability suggest a pitcher with room to grow. While
not yet on the Mets’ 40-man roster, his 2025 performance positions him as a
candidate for further promotions, potentially reaching Triple-A Syracuse or
higher in 2026. His development will likely focus on refining his secondary
pitches and increasing velocity to enhance his starter profile.
MACK – Gordon is seldomly written about; however, he
truly is a dark horse for the 2027 Mets rotation.
10-30-2025
Tom
Brennan/MM
28. RJ Gordon
The 23 year
old 13th round righty had some heck of a heckuva year, spanning 2 levels up to
AA, going 11-3, 3.36, with 147 Ks in 129 IP.
Keep that up!
I hesitated a bit in putting him higher, due to his 13th round draft status.
Next year, if he is strong again, he will RISE! Might he even debut with the
Mets in relief in 2026? If so, call him Flash Gordon.
11-7-2025
Just Baseball
https://www.justbaseball.com/prospects/new-york-mets-top-15-prospects/
R.J.
Gordon – RHP –
(Double-A): A 13th rounder in 2024, Gordon impressed with his polish in his pro
debut, compiling 128 2/3 innings between High-A and Double-A while pitching to
a 3.36 ERA and striking out 27% of batters.
Gordon’s
fastball only sits 92-94 MPH, but his ability to locate spin stands out. He
landed his slider and curveball for a strike north of 70% of the time, mixing
in a serviceable splitter to lefties as well. Gordon looks the part of a depth
starter who could miss enough bats to be a back-end innings eater.
12-13-2025
MACK/MM
R.J.
Gordon –
2025 –
A+/AA: 26-G, 21-ST, 11-3, 3.36, 1.15,
128-2-IP, 147-K, 46-BB
Another quiet
one. Just goes out there and does hisjob. Went 6-1 for Binghamton. Being pushed
by the 7 qualified starters that are hitting Binghamton this spring, so look
for him at a Cuse team near you
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