Mack’s Mets – the premier site for information on the New York Mets talent pipeline and dialogue on Mets prospects, Mets news, and Mets opinions.
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.
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.
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.
Enjoy it, fans!
Here is the report with his view: link
Ernest Dove fills us in on some good news on top prospects. Catch the news right here
For more info on your favorite prospects, visit the Dove Report on YouTube.
Today's topic from prospect expert Ernest Dove is the young pitchers in the New York Mets development system. Click the link below for the full report.
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Mitch was the #38 draft choice out of the University of Michigan in the 2025 draft. He is currently playing for the Brooklyn Cyclones after a hot spring.
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Cyclones broadcaster Justin Rocke reflects on journey, championship run and evolving minor league landscape
Now entering his fourth season as the voice of the Brooklyn Cyclones, Rocke has built a career defined by movement, persistence and a deep-rooted connection to the New York Mets organization he grew up supporting.
“It feels like it was just yesterday that I started,” Rocke said. “This is going to be my fourth season with the Cyclones and my 11th year in minor league baseball.”
Rocke’s journey began in 2014 and has included stops across Florida and Tennessee, with experience spanning multiple levels of the minors. Along the way, he’s seen top prospects pass through organizations, including time with the former Kingsport Mets and St. Lucie Mets.
A Brooklyn native raised in New Jersey, returning home to work for the Cyclones carried special meaning.
“As a New York guy, I always hoped to come back home,” Rocke said. “To be with the Cyclones the last few years, especially growing up in a Mets household, it’s been a privilege.”
Calling a winner
That privilege reached another level during the 2025 season, when Brooklyn fielded one of the most dominant teams in minor league baseball.
Rocke, who had rarely experienced consistent winning earlier in his career, found himself calling playoff games for the first time.
“Last year was my 10th year in minor league baseball — it was the first time I’d ever called games in the playoffs,” he said. “I’ve called more winning with the Mets organization than I had in my previous seven or eight years combined.”
The Cyclones’ first-half performance — a 46-20 record and the best winning percentage in the minors — set the tone for a season defined by resilience and late-game heroics.
“You knew they had a chance to win every single night,” Rocke said. “It didn’t matter if they were down one run or four runs late — they had the firepower to come back.”
That group, featuring rising prospects like A.J. Ewing and others, helped establish what Rocke described as a “comeback” identity — one that carried throughout the organization as players earned promotions.
A historic season meets a historic year
The 2026 season adds another layer of significance as Brooklyn celebrates its 25th anniversary.
For Rocke, the milestone connects directly to his childhood memories of following Mets prospects and the early days of the franchise.
“To be part of the 25th anniversary campaign is really special,” he said.
The Cyclones plan to commemorate the season with a series of promotions, including a championship ring giveaway honoring the franchise’s 2001 co-title season, which was impacted by the events of September 11 attacks.
Additional initiatives include fan voting for an all-time 25th anniversary team and retro jersey giveaways celebrating the club’s early years.
“It’s been a lot of fun going through the names and the history,” Rocke said. “You remember guys who made it to the big leagues and others who were huge in Brooklyn but never quite got there.”
The challenge behind the mic
While fans hear a polished broadcast, Rocke says the preparation behind each game can be unpredictable — especially in today’s minor league environment, where roster turnover is constant.
“You can show up to the ballpark and one, two, three or four names are different,” he said. “Sometimes you’re scrambling the day of the game trying to gather as much information as possible.”
Advancements in technology have made the job easier, but challenges remain — particularly when opposing teams make last-minute changes.
“There are times you find out mid-game that someone isn’t who you thought they were,” Rocke said with a laugh. “You just have to have fun with it.”
Building relationships that last
Beyond the stats and storylines, Rocke emphasized the human side of the job — particularly the relationships formed with players and their families.
“You don’t always realize the impact you have until you hear it from them,” he said. “You’re the voice for their family and friends back home.”
Those connections often come full circle when players reach higher levels. Rocke recalled reconnecting with former players years later, including moments that highlight the lasting bond between broadcaster and athlete.
“When you get those reactions, especially when they’re not expecting to see you, it’s unforgettable,” he said.
A changing minor league landscape
As minor league baseball continues to evolve — with fewer teams and tighter roster limits — Rocke says fans are seeing more experienced players remain at levels like High-A longer than in the past.
“It’s a mix of both — depth and the new normal,” he said. “There’s just a logjam sometimes. It’s not always about performance.”
That reality has been evident in Brooklyn, where several returning players from the 2025 championship team are back to start 2026.
Rocke views it as an opportunity rather than a setback.
“The message is simple: go out there, dominate, and force their hand,” he said.
For broadcasters, the added familiarity can even be a benefit.
“It saves a lot of prep time,” Rocke said. “But more importantly, it builds trust. When new players come in and see how returning guys interact with you, that respect carries over.”
More than just a game
Rocke also works as an on-air personality for SiriusXM and has experience with outlets like WFAN, but his role in minor league baseball remains uniquely meaningful.
“I’m just calling baseball games,” he said. “But when you realize what it means to families who are thousands of miles away, it becomes something bigger.”
As the Cyclones open a milestone season, Rocke’s voice will once again serve as the bridge between the field and those listening — a role he continues to embrace with appreciation.
“It’s special,” he said. “It really is.”
To watch the full interview on The New York Mets Dove Report on YouTube @ernestdove click here
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Infielder/outfielder A.J. Ewing is quickly solidifying his place among the New York Mets’ most promising young talents after a strong showing during 2026 spring training.
Ewing emerging as fast-rising prospect in Mets system after standout spring
Ranked No. 4 on the New York Mets Dove Report Top 30 prospects list, Ewing has been one of the breakout performers in camp, drawing attention alongside fellow prospect Carson Benge. At just 21 years old — he turns 22 in August — Ewing continues to build momentum following a rapid rise through the minor league system.
A fourth-round selection in the 2023 Major League Baseball Draft, Ewing is part of a class that evaluators increasingly believe could define the Mets’ long-term future. He spent the 2025 season across three levels — Low-A, High-A and Double-A — showcasing both consistency and adaptability.
Across those stops, Ewing posted a .315 batting average with a .401 on-base percentage and a .429 slugging percentage, good for an .830 OPS. He also stole 70 bases, underscoring his impact speed and aggressiveness on the basepaths.
Defensively, Ewing offers valuable versatility. While he projects as a potential everyday center fielder at the major league level, he has also logged time at second base, including appearances there last season. That flexibility could play a key role in his path to the majors.
Beyond the physical tools, Ewing has drawn praise internally for his approach and mindset. Coaches and staff have described him as a “player development standout,” pointing to his discipline and maturity. In conversations during spring training, Ewing emphasized the mental side of the game as central to his growth.
“The game is 75% mental,” Ewing said, noting that his early struggles in 2024 — when he hit near .200 in the low minors — helped shape his approach. “That experience showed me this isn’t going to be easy.”
That adversity, often considered a critical step in player development, appears to have accelerated his progress. The organization has seen significant improvement in both his plate discipline and overall consistency since that period.
While Ewing’s trajectory is trending upward, a major league debut in 2026 appears unlikely. A more realistic timeline points to 2027, when he could factor into the Mets’ plans as a full-time contributor.
His long-term role remains to be determined. Ewing could emerge as a center field option, potentially fitting into a future outfield mix that includes players such as Luis Robert Jr. and Tyrone Taylor. Alternatively, his experience at second base provides another pathway, depending on organizational needs and roster construction involving veterans like Marcus Semien.
Ewing’s performance has not gone unnoticed around the league. According to industry sources, multiple teams inquired about him in trade discussions last season, including the Miami Marlins. Whether the Mets ultimately view him as untouchable or a potential trade asset remains to be seen.
For now, Ewing’s development remains a priority, with the organization closely monitoring his continued rise.
One thing is clear: the Mets have a high-upside talent progressing quickly through their system — and his next steps could have a significant impact on the franchise’s future.
To see full list of my Top 30 Mets prospects check out The New York Mets Dove Report on YouTube @ernestdove
Mets prospect Yovany Rodriguez emerges as a high-upside catcher following breakout season
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Among the catching prospects in the New York Mets system, few carry as much long-term upside as Yovany Rodriguez, who will spend the 2026 season at just 19 years old.
Rodriguez first drew attention when he signed during the 2024 international period, receiving what was, at the time, a franchise-record bonus for the organization. Early expectations were rooted in projection, with evaluators pointing to his physical tools and defensive potential as a foundation.
His professional debut in the Dominican Summer League served primarily as an adjustment period, but his return to the league in 2025 produced a significant leap forward. Over 43 games, Rodriguez posted a .331 batting average, .446 on-base percentage and .939 OPS, pairing production with improved swing decisions.
He also demonstrated encouraging plate discipline, recording 25 walks against 39 strikeouts — a strong indicator of developing pitch recognition for a hitter at his stage. The combination of contact ability and on-base skill has begun to shift his profile from projection-based to performance-backed.
While Rodriguez hit just two home runs, evaluators within the organization continue to project future power as his frame matures. His current offensive profile — built around contact and strike-zone awareness — provides a foundation that could support increased impact as he develops physically.
Defensively, Rodriguez is already considered advanced for his experience level. He features a strong arm, quick release and developing instincts in his work with pitchers — traits that are often slower to emerge in young catchers. His ability to contribute on both sides of the ball at this stage has reinforced his status as one of the more complete prospects in the lower levels of the system.
The Mets are expected to bring Rodriguez stateside for the 2026 season, likely assigning him to the Florida Complex League. The transition will provide a more rigorous test against advanced pitching and offer further evaluation of how his offensive gains translate outside of the DSL environment.
Given his age, production trajectory and defensive foundation, Rodriguez is positioned as a potential fast riser within the Mets’ farm system. If his power development begins to materialize alongside his existing offensive skills, his overall profile could take a significant step forward in the coming year.
For all things New York Mets and the farm system check out The New York Mets Dove Report on YouTube @ernestdove
While much of the focus within the New York Mets catching pipeline centers on youth and projection, Chris Suero offers a different profile — one built on athleticism, versatility and energy.
Suero, 22, spent the 2025 season split between High-A Brooklyn and Double-A Binghamton, producing across multiple areas of the game. He finished with 16 home runs, 16 doubles, 35 stolen bases and a .786 OPS, combining power and speed in a way rarely seen from players at the catching position.
His 35 stolen bases stand out in particular, highlighting a level of mobility and aggressiveness that separates him from more traditional profiles behind the plate.
The Mets have leaned into that athleticism by deploying Suero at multiple positions, including catcher, left field and first base. The expanded defensive role has given him one of the more unique developmental paths in the organization, allowing his bat and athletic tools to impact the game in a variety of ways.
Beyond his physical tools, Suero has also drawn praise for his presence in the clubhouse and on the field. Pitchers have described him as a high-energy competitor who brings intensity to every outing, and his confidence has been evident in key moments, including late-game situations and emotional team celebrations.
From a developmental standpoint, the primary focus moving forward will be refining his offensive approach. As Suero’s power production increased in 2025, his strikeout rate also climbed — a trend that suggests a shift toward a more power-oriented swing. The next step will be finding the balance between maintaining that power output while improving contact consistency, particularly against upper-level pitching.
That challenge is expected to continue in 2026, as Suero is projected to return to Double-A Binghamton. The level is often viewed as a key evaluation point for prospects, offering a clearer indicator of how tools and approach translate against more advanced competition.
Here's the full podcast on Suero
For all things New York Mets and the farm system check out The New York Mets Dove Report on YouTube @ernestdove
Lambert, ranked No. 17 in My Dove Report Mets’ organizational prospect rankings, features one of the most electric fastballs in the system — a pitch that has already been reported touching 100 mph early in spring camp.
The 23-year-old right-hander was selected in the eighth round of the 2024 Major League Baseball Draft, part of the first draft class overseen by Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns. Since entering pro ball, Lambert has shown a mix of overpowering stuff and developing command that has evaluators intrigued about his long-term bullpen role.
Dominant Results in 2025
Lambert put together an impressive statistical season across High-A and Double-A in 2025.
Over 50 innings, he posted:
• 1.62 ERA
• 81 strikeouts
• 27 walks
Opposing hitters struggled to square him up, batting just .178 against him while producing a .539 OPS.
The strikeout numbers reflect Lambert’s ability to generate swings and misses, largely thanks to a high-velocity fastball that has been described by some evaluators as one of the best in the Mets’ minor league system — regardless of whether the pitcher is a starter or reliever.
Elite Fastball the Calling Card
Lambert’s fastball is his defining trait.
The pitch consistently sits in the upper 90s and has already reached triple digits during early workouts in spring training at Clover Park, the Mets’ spring complex.
That kind of velocity — combined with late movement and swing-and-miss ability — has led to comparisons in style to high-powered relievers such as Jhoan Duran, Hunter Harvey, and Jordan Hicks.
While those comparisons are largely tied to the explosiveness of Lambert’s fastball, the next step in his development will be refining his secondary pitch.
Development Focus: Slider and Command
Lambert is currently working to sharpen a slider that could become his primary secondary offering. As well as a new kickchange.
The pitch will be critical to his long-term outlook, particularly against advanced hitters who can adjust to velocity alone. Improving command of both the fastball and slider will also be key after his 27 walks in 50 innings last season.
If those areas continue to develop, Lambert’s ceiling could be significant.
Projecting Lambert’s Future Role
With his current arsenal, Lambert projects as a potential late-inning reliever.
At his best, he could develop into an eighth- or ninth-inning bullpen weapon, capable of overpowering hitters with elite velocity and swing-and-miss stuff.
Even if command inconsistencies persist, Lambert still profiles as a high-octane bullpen arm capable of filling important middle-inning roles.
For an organization that has often relied on external additions to build its bullpen, the emergence of power arms like Lambert could represent an important step toward developing impact relievers internally.
And if his triple-digit fastball continues to play at the upper levels of the minors, Lambert may not be far from forcing his way onto the Mets’ major league radar. ⚾
For more of my New York Mets content in video form, check out The New York Mets Dove Report on YouTube @ernestdove
Serrano, who will be 23 for most of the 2026 season, was selected by the Mets in the fourth round of the 2024 MLB Draft during the early stages of the front office led by president of baseball operations David Stearns.
Although his early professional numbers have been modest, evaluators still see a player with a wide range of possible outcomes — from a platoon bat to a potential 20-plus home run hitter if his power fully develops.
Early pro numbers still developing, and Serrano’s professional sample size remains relatively small.
After appearing in just 17 games during his draft year in 2024, Serrano played 88 games in 2025 with the High-A affiliate Brooklyn Cyclones. Across that stretch, the left-handed hitter posted a .222/.332/.358 slash line with a .690 OPS.
The offensive numbers don’t jump off the page, but context matters. Brooklyn’s home ballpark is widely considered pitcher-friendly, particularly for left-handed hitters due to heavy winds and spacious dimensions.
Plate discipline stands out
Despite the modest production, Serrano’s approach at the plate has drawn praise from evaluators.
Publications such as Baseball America have noted his ability to stay within the strike zone and avoid expanding at pitches outside of it. That disciplined approach gives him a foundation that could allow him to develop into an average or better hitter at the major league level.
The advanced strike-zone awareness also raises the possibility that Serrano could become a strong on-base percentage contributor as he climbs the system.
Power potential and physical tools
At roughly 6-foot-5, Serrano possesses a physically imposing frame that scouts believe could translate into significant power as he continues to mature.
Several evaluators believe the left-handed bat has the potential to develop into a 20-plus home run hitter if his power fully emerges at the upper levels of the minors.
Serrano also shows solid athleticism for his size. He has spent time in center field and has the range to handle the position, though his long-term fit could ultimately shift to a corner outfield spot where his size and power profile may play better.
Platoon questions remain
One area to monitor moving forward is Serrano’s performance against left-handed pitching.
During the 2025 season, he posted a .733 OPS against right-handed pitchers but struggled against lefties with a .569 OPS. That split raises the possibility that he could develop into a platoon bat if the issue persists.
Still, there have been encouraging flashes. Serrano has shown the ability to drive the ball the other way against left-handers, including opposite-field extra-base hits that hint at potential improvement.
2026 could be a pivotal season
Health and opportunity will be key factors for Serrano in 2026.
After playing fewer than 100 games last season, the next step is proving he can stay on the field and produce over a full minor league schedule. A promotion to Double-A would provide a clearer look at his true offensive potential.
Double-A is often considered the “prove-it” level in the minors, where prospects begin facing more advanced pitching and separating themselves from the pack.
If Serrano can translate his plate discipline and physical tools into consistent production, he could quickly rise in the Mets’ system.
For now, he remains an intriguing prospect with a wide developmental range — one whose next season could determine whether he settles in as a role player or emerges as a legitimate power threat in the organization’s outfield pipeline.
If you'd like to see all of my top 30 prospect list ranking player profiles and more, check out The New York Mets Dove Report on YouTube @ernestdove
Making it #17 on his @mets Top 30 Prospect List is pitcher Ryan Lambert.
For more of Ernest's wisdom and lots of great Mets Prospect Videos subscribe to Ernest's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ernestdove.
You can also catch Ernest on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Making it #21 on his @mets Top 30 Prospect List is outfielder - Eli Serrano.
For more of Ernest's wisdom and lots of great Mets Prospect Videos subscribe to Ernest's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ernestdove.
You can also catch Ernest on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Making it #24 on my @mets Top 30 Prospect List is a young RHP who mirrors the delivery of the one and only #Mets great Jacob deGrom - Jose Chirinos. I explain. #mlb #baseballteam #metsbaseball #newyorkmets #metstalk #nymets
For more of Ernest's wisdom and lots of great Mets Prospect Videos subscribe to Ernest's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ernestdove.
You can also catch Ernest on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Mets Prospect Guru, Ernest Dove, reports on one of the top pitching prospects in the New York Mets development system: Saul Garcia
For more of Ernest's wisdom and lots of great Mets Prospect Videos subscribe to Ernest's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ernestdove.
You can also catch Ernest on X (formerly known as Twitter).
For more of Ernest's wisdom and lots of great Mets Prospect Videos subscribe to Ernest's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ernestdove.
You can also catch Ernest on X (formerly known as Twitter).
For more of Ernest's wisdom and lots of great Mets Prospect Videos subscribe to Ernest's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ernestdove.
You can also catch Ernest on X (formerly known as Twitter).
