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9/5/26

MACK – Let’s Revisit - LHSP - Nicholas Carreno

 


MACK – Let’s Revisit - LHSP - Nicholas Carreno


Nicolas (or Nicholas) Carreno is a 20-year-old left-handed pitcher in the New York Mets’ minor league system, currently with the High-A Brooklyn Cyclones. Background
  • Full name: Nicolas Gabriel Carreno
  • Born: June 9, 2006, in Barcelona, Venezuela
  • Physical: Listed at 5'10", 155 lbs (reports note he has added some weight); bats/throws left
  • Acquisition: Signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates as an international free agent in January 2023 (reportedly for a modest bonus as an undersized LHP sitting 89-91 mph at the time). Traded to the Mets on July 30, 2024, in exchange for LHP Josh Walker.
He spent time in the Dominican Summer League with both organizations, came stateside in 2025 (mostly FCL Mets with a late promotion to Low-A St. Lucie), and broke out in 2026.2026 PerformanceHe dominated at Low-A St. Lucie (roughly 1.94 ERA over 41.2 IP with 58 strikeouts in 11 appearances/6 starts) before a mid-June promotion to High-A Brooklyn. 

2026/A+ Brooklyn:  

3-3, 4.47 in 58 innings. 66 Ks, 41 BBs.

He pitched this gem in early August:


At both levels this year, opposing batters are hitting a sad .186 vs. Carreno.
Repertoire and DeliveryCarreno throws from a slingy three-quarters arm slot with a long arm action. His arsenal is primarily a three-pitch mix (no changeup currently; an earlier attempt to develop one appears paused). Data from his Low-A time (where Statcast tracking was available) shows:

  • Four-seam fastball (~28% usage): Averages ~95 mph (tops out at 98). Around 2,500 RPM spin and ~15 inches of induced vertical break. Generates some whiffs (~29%) but can be hittable when left in the zone due to command inconsistencies.
  • Two-seam/sinker (~28% usage): Averages ~94.5 mph with more arm-side run (significant horizontal break, ~13–14 inches) and less ride than the four-seamer. Better results against hitters than the four-seamer in limited data.
  • Slider (~40–44% usage — his most-used and best pitch): Averages ~86 mph (low-80s to low-90s range) with high spin (~2,680 RPM). Features sharp, cutter-like action (modest horizontal movement of 1–5 inches). Excellent whiff rates (~44% in Low-A), strong results against hitters, and better command than his fastballs. Especially effective vs. left-handed batters.
Stuff grades from available tracking place the slider around average-to-plus (Stuff+ ~105), with the fastballs closer to average. Velocity has jumped significantly since signing.Prospect OutlookScouting reports view him as a potential high-leverage lefty reliever long-term due to his size, two-pitch (or three-pitch with limited separation) profile, and command/control issues, though he has started games effectively. 

Baseball America graded him as a 45/High in a May 2026 update (fastball 50, slider 55, control 40), noting improved strike-throwing and effectiveness vs. lefties. He has appeared in some Mets organizational prospect lists in the 25–30 range midseason. 

ETA estimates vary but often point toward 2027–2028, potentially faster if moved to the bullpen. 

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3 comments:

  1. Mack AdeSeptember 5, 2026 at 10:32 AM

    Choppy year at best but loads of talent

    Future pen piece working on repertoire

    ReplyDelete
  2. Tom BrennanSeptember 5, 2026 at 10:35 AM

    I added a video to the article of a great early August outing for Brooklyn. Not the best camera angle, but he looked quite impressive.

    ReplyDelete
  3. SteveSeptember 5, 2026 at 10:43 AM

    May not apply here. Read somewhere where the Mets may have up to 26 players that will need to be protected come the rule 5 draft. Know that is a wats away, but if true, basis for a good article?

    ReplyDelete