MACK – HOT ARMS – DYLAN ROSS, GREGORI LOUIS, NICHOLAS CARRENO

 

Thanks to John From Albany for supplying the stats.

 

PERIOD:  7/14 – 7/27

 

Dylan Ross/AAA-Syracuse – 0.60-WHIP, 3.1-IP, 3-K, 0-BB, 0-R, 0.00

Dylan Ross is a right-handed relief pitcher in the New York Mets organization (currently with Triple-A Syracuse Mets).

He is 6'5", 250–251 lbs, bats/throws right, born September 1, 2000 (age 25) in Statesboro, Georgia. He was drafted by the Mets in the 13th round (389th overall) of the 2022 MLB Draft out of the University of Georgia and signed for $125,000.

He attended Statesboro High and Georgia Premier Academy, then pitched at Eastern Kentucky (limited 2020), Northwest Florida State College (2021: solid starter numbers), and Georgia (2022).

He needed Tommy John surgery after just two starts at Georgia, which dropped his draft stock. A UCL revision surgery in 2023 delayed his pro debut further.

He made his professional debut in September 2024 (one scoreless inning with 3 Ks for Low-A St. Lucie) after missing most of 2022–2024, then struggled in the Arizona Fall League.

In 2025 he broke out as a reliever, rising quickly from High-A Brooklyn to Double-A Binghamton to Triple-A Syracuse.

Across 49 appearances and 54 IP he posted a 2.17 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 80 strikeouts (35.7% K rate), and 33 walks (5.5 BB/9), with seven saves.

In 2026 he was optioned to Syracuse in spring training, dealt with early arm fatigue (7-day IL, rehab at St. Lucie and Brooklyn), and has struggled more at Triple-A (around a 7–8 ERA range in ~25–26 IP with elevated walks, though still missing bats).

He remains a high-upside power-arm prospect ranked in the Mets’ top 20 or so by various outlets (e.g., MLB Pipeline ~No. 17). Control and health are the main questions for a potential MLB bullpen role.

Ross throws from a three-quarters arm slot with simple “dart-thrower” mechanics and excellent extension (~7 feet), which helps his stuff play up. His four-pitch mix (usage roughly 33% fastball, 33% splitter, 30% slider, ~4% curve in 2025 Triple-A looks) is built around power:

Four-seam fastball: Mid-to-upper 90s (sits ~96–98 mph, averages ~97 in Triple-A samples), has touched 100–102 mph. Average spin (~2,200 rpm) and shape, but velocity + extension make it play above average (scouting grades often 60). It gets on hitters quickly.

Splitter: His best secondary and a true plus pitch (often graded 55–60). Sits mid-80s to low-90s (avg ~89–90, up to 93), very low spin (often ~700 rpm, a “spin killer”), with heavy downward dive (significant extra drop vs. the fastball). Excellent tunneling with the heater; high whiff rates and very tough on lefties especially. He has thrown it heavily at times.

Slider: Mid-to-upper 80s with gyro/cutter-like action (limited horizontal break but effective gloveside movement). Primarily used against right-handers to generate chase; solid swing-and-miss potential (high Whiff% in samples).

Curveball: Occasional mid-80s offering used sparingly as a change-of-pace/get-me-over pitch for eye-level variation.

Strengths: Elite velocity and extension, plus splitter that disappears, high strikeout upside in short stints.

Concerns: Command/control (walk rates often elevated, especially at higher levels), consistency after two UCL surgeries, and predictability if the movement profile doesn’t expand. Evaluators see a potential late-inning power reliever if he throws more strikes and stays healthy.

 

Gregori Louis/A+ Brooklyn – 2.18-WHIP, 3.2-IP, 4-K, 5-BB, 0-ER, 0.00

Gregori Alexander Louis is a left-handed relief pitcher in the New York Mets organization (currently with High-A Brooklyn Cyclones).

Born October 28, 2002, in San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic (age 23 as of 2026).

Bats/Throws: L/L.

Listed at 6'3", 161 lbs.

Signed by the Mets as an amateur free agent out of the Dominican Republic on June 29, 2022.

He has remained a pure reliever throughout his pro career (no starts listed in available stats).

He debuted in the Dominican Summer League in 2022 and has progressed through the Mets system with stops at FCL Mets, Low-A St. Lucie, High-A Brooklyn, and a brief assignment to Double-A Binghamton in 2025.

Notable seasons: 2024 stood out: Dominant at Low-A St. Lucie (4-0, 1.49 ERA in 42.1 IP over 20 games, 44 K, 24 BB) before a promotion to Brooklyn (1.08 ERA in 8.1 IP). Overall that year he posted a 1.33 ERA across levels with strong strikeout rates and limited hard contact.

2025 was more challenging (around 5.64 ERA across levels, including time on rehab in the FCL), with higher walk and home-run rates.

2026 (High-A Brooklyn): Early returns show solid strikeout ability (high K/9 in the 11+ range in some splits) but elevated walks (BB% often in the high teens to 20%), resulting in ERAs in the mid-4s range in available updates (e.g., around 4.2–4.6 in 20+ IP samples). He has recorded saves and continues working primarily in relief.

Fastball: Mid-to-high 90s. His most trusted pitch; he feels comfortable throwing it in any count. Velocity plays up because of his unique delivery (described as having “funk” to the glove arm that makes the ball hard for hitters to pick up and square up). It gets on hitters quickly.

Slider: Usable against both left- and right-handed hitters.

Changeup: Showed well in his High-A debut and has been a developing secondary.

Cutter: Actively developing, inspired by Kenley Jansen (a pitcher Louis follows). Coaches viewed it as a potential weapon especially against right-handed hitters.

Secondaries have shown progress in consistency but were still developing as of the 2024 report. His left-handedness, combined with the velocity and deception, gives him value as a potential multi-inning or matchup relief option. Stamina profiles point to a bullpen role.

Overall, Louis is a projectable lefty reliever with intriguing raw stuff and a track record of missing bats at lower levels.

 

Nicholas Carreno/A+ Brooklyn – 0.67-WHIP, 6.0-IP, 6-K, BB, ER, 1.50

Nicolas (or Nicolás) Gabriel Carreno is a 20-year-old left-handed pitcher in the New York Mets’ minor league system (born June 9, 2006, in Barcelona, Venezuela; listed at 5'10", 155 lbs; B/T: L/L).

He signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates as an international free agent on January 15, 2023 (undisclosed bonus; he was undersized with a then 89-91 mph fastball).

The Mets acquired him from the Pirates on July 30, 2024, in exchange for left-hander Josh Walker.

He has progressed from the Dominican Summer League (DSL) to the Florida Complex League (FCL), Single-A St. Lucie Mets, and High-A Brooklyn Cyclones (promoted June 11, 2026).

Early years: Struggled with control in the DSL in 2023 (10.50 ERA). Improved in 2024 (combined 3.66 ERA, high strikeout rates across Pirates and Mets DSL affiliates).

2025: Mixed results in FCL and a late promotion to St. Lucie (overall 5.72 ERA in 28.1 IP).

2026: Strong start at Single-A St. Lucie (1.94 ERA in 41.2 IP, 58 K, 21 BB).

He has shown high strikeout ability and ground-ball tendencies at times, but walks remain an issue (elevated BB rates).

He is still young and developing, with potential as a starter or (more likely longer-term) reliever depending on command and repertoire expansion.

Carreno throws from a slingy three-quarters arm slot with a long arm action. He currently relies primarily on a three-pitch mix: four-seam fastball, two-seam/sinker fastball, and slider. He has not featured a changeup in recent reports (he worked on one earlier with the Pirates, but it has been paused).

Four-seam fastball: Sits low-to-high 90s (averages ~94–95 mph, tops out at 98). Above-average spin (~2,500 RPM) and roughly average induced vertical break (~15 inches). Usage around 30% at St. Lucie; can be hittable when he grooves it due to command issues (opponents have had success against it at times).

Two-seam/sinker: Similar velocity (around 95 mph), with less vertical break and more arm-side run (extra 4–8 inches of horizontal movement). Used ~30%; generates weaker contact and better results than the four-seamer in lower levels.

Slider: His best pitch. Sits low-80s to low-90s (averages ~84–86 mph). Sharp, cutter-like action with modest horizontal movement (1–5 inches). High usage (~40%); excellent whiff rates (often 40%+) and strong results against hitters (e.g., very low batting lines and high swing-and-miss in the Florida State League). He commands it better than his fastballs.

Scouting notes highlight the velocity jump since signing and the effectiveness of the slider, but note that refining fastball command and developing a reliable third pitch (changeup or similar) will be key for higher levels, especially if remaining a starter. Smaller stature is a noted factor, though he has added some strength

He is an intriguing Mets lefty prospect with rising stuff and strikeout upside, currently at High-A.

MACK – Hot Bats – Trey Snyder, ML Melendez, Julio Zayas

 

PERIOD:    7/8  - 7/17

 

J.T. Schwartz/AA-Binghamton - .429/.579/.500/1.079

 

PERIOD:   7/13 – 7/22

 

Trey Snyder/A-St. Lucie - .632/.636/1.105/1.741, 1-HR, 10-RBI, 12-H

Trey Snyder is a 20-year-old shortstop (born September 21, 2005) in the New York Mets organization. He was drafted by the Mets in the 5th round (144th overall) of the 2024 MLB Draft out of Liberty North High School in Liberty, Missouri.

A three-sport athlete (football, basketball, baseball) in high school, he stood out as one of Missouri’s top prep prospects.

In his senior season, he hit .391 with 7 home runs, 36 RBIs, 46 runs, and 22 stolen bases in 40 games. He earned Missouri Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year honors.

He had committed to the University of Tennessee but signed with the Mets for an above-slot bonus of $1,322,500 (slot value was around $476,200).

Physical: 6'1", 197 lbs, right-handed batter and thrower.

Offense: Mature approach with good contact skills, line-drive swing, and emerging power (scouts see 15-20 HR potential as he adds strength). He uses a slight leg lift and has shown high exit velocities.

Defense: Athletic shortstop with quick reactions, smooth hands, quick transfer, and a strong/accurate arm (up to 93 mph). He has the tools to stay at SS but could shift to 2B or 3B if he fills out further.

Overall, he's viewed as a high-upside, toolsy prep prospect with five-tool potential, though still raw as a high school draftee.

Professional Career (as of mid-2026) He has primarily played with the Mets' Single-A affiliate, the St. Lucie Mets (Florida State League).Key Minor League Stats:2024 (limited debut): .182 AVG in 6 games with St. Lucie (quick promotion after signing).

2025: .220/.336/.288 in 115 games — showed speed (41 SB) but modest power (5 HR).

2026 (partial season): Strong start with .310–.323 AVG in limited action, good OBP, and speed before an injury.

He dealt with a 60-day IL stint early in 2026 but was activated in early June. He has also earned Player of the Week honors in St. Lucie and hit his first home run of the 2026 season.

Snyder is a promising but developmental prospect (projected ETA around 2028). He’s still early in his career and working to translate his tools and high school success into consistent minor league production.

 

ML Melendez/AAA-Syracuse - .467/.579/1.067/1.646, 3-HR, 6-RBI, 7-H

MJ Melendez (full name: Mervyl Samuel Melendez Jr.) is a professional baseball outfielder/left fielder (with experience at catcher and some first base) currently with the New York Mets.

He was born on November 29, 1998 (age 27 as of 2026) in Daytona Beach, Florida. He bats left and throws right, stands 6'0" and weighs about 190 lbs.

Drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 2nd round (52nd overall) of the 2017 MLB Draft out of Westminster Christian School in Miami, Florida. He was a highly regarded prospect early on, rising to top-100 status (peaking around #35–51) before his 2022 debut, initially as a catcher.

Spent his entire career with the Royals organization until 2025. He transitioned primarily to the outfield due to the presence of Salvador Perez behind the plate.

MLB Debut: May 3, 2022, with the Royals.

After a down 2025 season (limited MLB time and poor results), he was non-tendered by Kansas City and became a free agent.

Signed a one-year, $1.5 million split contract (with up to $500K in incentives) with the New York Mets in February 2026. He began the season at Triple-A Syracuse but was called up in mid-April.

Melendez is a left-handed power bat with strikeout tendencies but also some plate discipline and versatility. He has shown flashes of strong power in the minors and early MLB years but has struggled with consistency at the major league level.

Modest on-base and slugging percentages (career OPS in the .680 range)

In 2026 with the Mets (partial season): He started hot with some extra-base hits (including two doubles off Shohei Ohtani in his Mets debut) and even hit a walk-off homer, but overall numbers were modest (.192/.315/.350 range in limited action). He has been shuttling between the majors and Triple-A Syracuse.

He is a low-risk depth/versatile outfield addition for the Mets, providing lefty power, corner outfield play, occasional first base, and emergency catching. As of mid-2026, he remains on the 40-man roster and has been optioned/recall-eligible depending on roster needs.

 

PERIOD:   7/13  -  7/22

Julio Zayas/A-St. Lucie - .364/.462/1.000/1.462, 2-HR, 2-RBI, 4-H

Julio Jorge Zayas is a 20-year-old catching prospect (born February 16, 2006, in Pimentel, Dominican Republic) in the New York Mets organization. He bats and throws right-handed, stands 5'11" and weighs 190 lbs. The Mets signed him as an international free agent (UDFA) on January 15, 2023.

2023: Dominated in the Dominican Summer League (DSL Mets Orange) as a 17-year-old — .307 AVG, 7 HR, strong power and contact.

2024–2025: Played in the Florida Complex League (FCL Mets, rookie level), showing solid plate discipline and gap power but fewer home runs.

2026: Promoted to Single-A St. Lucie Mets. As of mid-2026, he was hitting around .234–.246 with 3 HR in roughly 145–232 AB, plus decent on-base skills. He has also appeared at 1B in the past.

Career Minor League Batting (approx. through mid-2026): Roughly .270 AVG, 14 HR, solid OBP in the .36–.37 range, but limited speed (only 1 SB).

Zayas is a legitimate catching prospect with a good hit tool for his age, some power potential, and the ability to draw walks. Like many young catchers, he is still developing defensively and adjusting to higher levels (strikeouts have ticked up a bit in Single-A). He is not yet on most top-30 Mets prospect lists (the system has several higher-profile arms and position players), but he is a name to watch as he climbs the ladder.

He also threw 2 innings in a blow out St Lucie loss recently, just as an aside, allowing 5 runs. Some pitcher do worse. I watched a little video…he won’t be trading careers for the mound any time soon.

MACK - THOUGHTS ON TRADE DEADLINE & OTHER TIDBITS

 

 I don’t write for Mack’s Mets anymore. I retired from that. Instead, I have been producing a bunch of bio and analytical shite. But that changes today.

Instead, I return as a sportswriter, specifically covering the New York Mets. 

My weekly Friday column will reflect that going forward,

One of the things I used to do around here was to give you my spin/rating on the results of the trading deadline. I’m not going to go into an elaborate breakdown… other Mack’s Mets writers are doing a fine job on that. Instead, just a general overview.

I’ve already mentioned that, I believe, the Mets accomplished three things from the results of the trading deadline… one, they cleaned out the majority of bad money contracts that had no future offerings to this team past the 2027 season, two, they found a close to ready major league third baseman, and three, they added prospect depth to their chain, especially in the infield. 

Past that, it’s all speculation, especially because we all know the nerds are going to try and change everything these players have done once they put a Mets uniform on.

What they didn’t accomplish was to get a Top 50 Prospect, as defined by Baseball Pipeline, nor did they find takers for the likes of Marcus Semien, Jorge Polanco, Brett Baty, Mark Vientos, and Luis Robert Jr., five players they must now decide if they keep playing and remind both fans and the baseball world what stupid decisions it was to employ these duds, or give them a payout before the calendar year end so they have a clean slate the following year regarding team salary.

Me?

I love 3B Jefferson Rojas. He will be the starting Mets third baseman, latest, opening day 2028. I “ like” IF Sammy Stafura, Cole Mathis, Emilien Pitre, Billy Amick, and Aiden Smith. 

The rest? AAAA or steak knives. I especially like the return of infield depth in the chain. It’s no big secret that the future Mets are in need of both a producing third and second baseman. This year’s trade haul make a crowded positive situation on both bags.

I believe Rojas will be a star in this game and Mitch Voit will be a Benge/Ewing type player at second. Mathis and Amick will compete with Randy Guzman as the future Mets first baseman, that is, if Juan Soto doesn't agree to make the move here some day…I believe Stafura and Pitre will give Voit a run for his money at second… and I believe Rojas is heir apparent to third. Short? It’s Lindor’s until either Elian Pena or Wandy Asigen grows up.

Rating – B minus

 

Minor Tidbit 

AA/Binghamton’s RP, Bryce Jenkins, is the definition of helium. He is barely recognized by the Mets gaggle and only bloggers like Daniel Wexler (@WexlerRules),  and podcasters like Ernest Dove  (@ernestdove), write anything about this guy. Through Tuesday’s game, Jenkins has a combines AA/AAA ERA of 1.94, and a WHIP of 0.79… it seems that A+ Brooklyn SP Nicholas Carreno is getting his shite straighten out at this level. He dominated A-ball, failed miserable early at Coney. This week he went 5.2-IP, 0-H, 0-R, 8-K. Still needs to work on pitch count and control (5-BB this outing)… 

No one is hotter than AA-Binghamton IF Mitch Voit. He put modest numbers up for Brooklyn (.242) but I knew his numbers would grow once he left horrible Coney Island. But I never expected, through Tuesday night, an AA batting average of .539 and an OPS of 1.574!... once again, the nerds win. 

AAA-Syracuse SP, Jonah Tong, was supposed to be promoted by this weekend and Wednesday's start at Cuse' was the final test for the entirely new delivery the executives that never pitched a lick in their life gave this once star for this team. Their changes are like taking the entire engine out of a Shelby SS and installing the engine a Volkswagen Beetle uses. 

The result? Five home runs allowed in five innings. When are these guys ever going to stop this? SMH. The Breakdown of Tong... or, as Tom Brennan puts it... if it ain't broke, don't break it... A-St. Lucie SS Elian Pena committed another throwing error on Wednesday.  That's now 22 errors on the season.  A big reason why I feel Wandy Asigen will jump over him when down the road the B-Mets need a new shortstop.

GOO – (general overall opinions)

I used to be a newspaper reporter. That went away when they closed down that newspaper. It then became a blogger covering the New York Mets. The emphasis was on the minors. Mack’s Mets is now both the most read independent Mets blog, but it also is the longest running. 

My elimination of my weekly Friday Prospect Report came off of the elimination of a professional relationship with a high-ranking Mets insider. It spoke volumes to me about the degree of importance I am to the Mets. It makes my future direction is as a hobbyist who will write how I feel, and what I believe, not anyone else’s opinons.

I became a Mets fan in 1962, followed by a Mets reporter in 2005. I’m now simply a Mets blogger who writes in third person because I no longer root for this team. I still write about it and started a blog for other writers who are fans of this team. I take the Walter Cronkite approach… the team, and what they do is always “they”.

I lost my fandom when I realized the return is minimal. I thought this failure peaked near the end of the Wilpon era, but I was wrong. 

The Cohen train still hasn’t left the station.

MACK’S 2028 STARTING LINEUP:

C     Francisco Alvarez

1B   Juan Soto

2B   Mitch Voit

SS   Francisco Lindor

3B   Jefferson Rojas

LF   Carson Benge

CF   Aiden Robbins

RF   AJ Ewing

DH  Chris Suero

SP1  Tariq Skubal

SP2  Nolan McLean

SP3  Christian Scott

SP4  Jonah Tong

SP5  Zac Thornton

MACK – The Latest Hot Bats

 

MACK – The Latest Hot Bats

 

John From Albany keeps churning out this list and I keep sending it your way.

On 6-18, he posted a new top five that included 1B/C Jose Serracin, who, between 6/9-6/18 went .364/.462/.636/1.098

                Jose Serracin (full name: Jose Lino Serracin) is a young catching prospect in the New York Mets' minor league system.

Position: Catcher (C), First Base

Bats/Throws: Right/Right

Height/Weight: 5'10" / 175 lbs

Born: June 7, 2008 (age 18 as of mid-2026) in David, Panama

Signed: As an undrafted free agent (UDFA) by the Mets on January 15, 2025, to a minor league contract.

He has shown some early pop and plate discipline in showcases/preseason clips (e.g., home runs in simulated games).

 

SS Angel Ozuna/DSL Blue – 6/10-6/19 – 4-RBI, 5-H, 12=PA , .500/.583/.700/1.283

Angel Ozuna is a young international prospect (infielder) who recently signed with the New York Mets.

Ozuna, from the Dominican Republic, was once viewed as a top international talent in the 2027 class. The New York Yankees were reportedly set to sign him for around $5 million, but his age was found to be falsified (he was older than listed, reportedly by about 3 years).

This led to a one-year MLB suspension. The big-money deal falling through.

Signing with the Mets for a much smaller bonus of just $10,000 (after earlier reports of interest from other teams like the Twins for ~$500K+).

He is a switch-hitter who plays infield (including second base and shortstop).

As a new signee in the DSL (Mets Blue/Orange), he has shown early promise in limited action: Strong hitting in games, including multi-hit outings, a bases-loaded triple, and production from the lower part of the order.

Noted for his bat and versatility as a young project player.

This is a low-risk, high-upside gamble for the Mets on a player with real talent but damaged reputation due to the age scandal. Many similar prospects get second chances after suspensions, and the Mets are betting on his skills at a bargain rate. He is expected to develop in the low minors initially.

 

IF Anthony Frobose/FCL Mets – 6/11-6/20 - .389/.450/,778/1.228

Anthony Frobose (full name: Anthony Jason Frobose) is a young infielder/pitcher prospect in the New York Mets' minor league system.

Born: July 17, 2007 (age 18 as of mid-2026) in Yorktown Heights, NY.

High School:         Lakeland HS in Shrub Oak, NY (Class of 2025). He was a standout two-way player (shortstop and right-handed pitcher).

Draft:                     Selected by the Mets in the 9th round (283rd overall) of the 2025 MLB Draft. He signed with the team (reported slot value around $196k–$387k range in reports) instead of attending Rutgers University, where he had committed.

Height/Weight:    6'1", 170 lbs. Bats/throws right-handed. Athletic build with multi-sport background (including football).

He was viewed as a toolsy player out of high school with good actions at shortstop, arm strength, speed, and two-way potential. Scouts noted he needed to add strength and refine his swing.

He's shown some patience (decent walk rate) but has been striking out at a higher clip as he adjusts to pro ball.

He has also appeared in limited summer league action post-draft in 2025. The Mets are developing him as a position player (primarily shortstop/infield), though he has two-way background.

Described by his high school coach as a "five-tool player" with contact/power potential, speed, and arm strength.

He's a very early-stage prospect still adjusting to professional baseball, but as a recent high school draftee with athleticism and local roots, he's one to watch in the Mets' lower minors

MACK - 2029 Mets Rotation: The Next Wave

 

The next wave of Mets starters seems to be developing right now on the Brooklyn Cyclone roster. Everyone that reads Mack’s Mets needs to become familiar with these three. They could all be part of the 2029 Mets rotation someday.

 

Nicolas Carreno is a 20-year-old left-handed pitching prospect in the New York Mets organization (born June 9, 2006, in Barcelona, Venezuela). He stands 5'10" and weighs 155 lbs. The Mets acquired him from the Pittsburgh Pirates in July 2024 in exchange for LHP Josh Walker.

Signed by the Pirates in 2023 as an international free agent. Split time in the DSL in 2024 before the trade.

Progressed through the Mets system: DSL → FCL (2025) → Low-A St. Lucie (2025–2026) → High-A Brooklyn Cyclones (promoted June 2026).

Key 2026 stats (through mid-June, across A and A+):  2–1 record, 1.89 ERA in 12 games (7 starts), 47.2 IP. 

67 strikeouts (12.7 K/9), 23 walks (4.3 BB/9), low home runs allowed. 

WHIP around 1.05, strong strikeout-to-walk rate, and low batting average against (~.160–.250 range). He has shown significant improvement in command and consistency since his high-walk early DSL days. In 2026, he has posted career-high strikeout numbers and performed well in a recent High-A debut (e.g., 6 IP, 9 K in one start).

Pitch Repertoire

Carreno throws from the left side with a three-pitch mix (primarily), showing good stuff for his age and size. Data from 2025 and scouting notes highlight:

4-Seam Fastball (primary, ~50% usage): Sits in the low-to-mid 90s (up to 96–98 mph in 2026). Good ride/vertical movement.

Slider (secondary, high-usage ~38%): His best pitch — hard (84–90 mph, up to low 90s), with strong whiff rates (e.g., 58%+ in samples; one report noted 43.8% whiff). Can be short or sweepy depending on grip/release. High spin and effectiveness against both sides.

Sinker (occasional, ~10–12%): Mid-90s velocity, used for ground balls or movement variation.

Some scouting/projection systems mention potential for a curveball or changeup (with future grades in the 30–50 range), but his current game mix centers on fastball/slider/sinker. He has solid extension and generates swings-and-misses, especially with the slider.

Profile summary: Carreno is a high-upside lefty starter prospect with strikeout stuff and improving command. At 20, he's still developing (especially control and secondary pitches), but his 2026 performance in full-season ball is encouraging. He's viewed as a lottery-ticket type with starter potential if he refines his arsenal and consistency. Keep an eye on his progress with Brooklyn in High-A.

 

José Chirinos is a 21-year-old right-handed pitching prospect (born October 16, 2004) in the New York Mets organization.

The Mets signed him as an international free agent from Venezuela in 2022. He stands 6'3" and 170 lbs with a lanky frame and a low three-quarters arm slot.

Chirinos has shown steady progress, especially in 2025–2026:2026 (St. Lucie, A): Strong results with a low-2s ERA, good strikeout numbers, and improved control (e.g., around 2.36–2.52 ERA in recent samples, ~10+ K/9, low WHIP ~1.05).

2025: Solid full-season debut in A-ball (3.20 ERA over 56+ IP) with better strike-throwing.

Earlier years (DSL/FCL) featured higher walk rates and inconsistency but promising strikeout stuff.

He projects as a starter with a chance to develop into a back-end rotation piece if command improves further.

Pitch Repertoire

Chirinos features a multi-pitch mix (typically 5–6 offerings), with data from 2025–2026 showing:

Sinker/Two-Seam Fastball (primary, ~25–50% usage): Averages ~92–93 mph (up to 94–95). It has decent velocity but average movement/spin; used more as a setup pitch for command and tunneling rather than a primary whiff pitch.

Slider (key secondary, ~15–20%+): His best swing-and-miss pitch. Sits high-70s to low-80s with slurvy shape, good horizontal sweep, and vertical break. High whiff rates (often 35–40%+ in samples).

Changeup (~20%): Mid-80s (wider velocity band, high-70s to high-80s). Arm-side fade; more effective at the lower end of the velo range. Decent whiff potential.

Cutter (~15–25%): Mid-to-high 80s. Limited movement on its own but helps tunnel with the fastball/slider. Often his least effective pitch by itself.

Four-Seamer and Curveball (occasional): Four-seam ~92–93 mph; curve in the high-70s with vertical shape. Used less frequently.

tjStuff+ metrics rate most of his pitches around average to slightly above (98–100+ range overall), with the slider and fastball variations showing promise.

Scouting Notes / Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths: Good feel for mixing pitches, solid strikeout ability (especially slider), improving command in recent seasons, and a projectable frame for velocity/stamina gains. He tunnels pitches well.

Areas to Improve: Fastball lacks elite movement at times; cutter can be hittable; overall command and consistency (walk rates have fluctuated). Needs to tighten secondaries as he climbs levels.

He's a developmental arm with upside—watch for continued polish in High-A and beyond. Stats and pitch data can vary by game, but the sinker-slider-changeup core defines him right now. For the latest, check MiLB.com or Baseball Savant game logs.

 

Daviel Hurtado is a left-handed pitching prospect in the New York Mets organization. Born January 26, 2005, in Havana, Cuba, he is 21 years old (as of mid-2026), listed at 6'1" and 166 lbs, and throws from a three-quarters arm slot. The Mets signed him as an international free agent in January 2023.

Hurtado missed 2023 with injury. His pro debut came in 2024 with the FCL Mets (Rookie ball), where he struggled with command and results (0-5, 6.32 ERA in 8 starts). He showed strong strikeout stuff (13.2 K/9) but walked too many.

In 2025, he improved dramatically: Strong showing in the FCL (1-0, 0.47 ERA in 5 starts).

Moved up to Single-A St. Lucie (0-2, 2.70 ERA in 13 games/7 starts).

Overall: 1-2, 2.06 ERA, 10.3 K/9, 3.3 BB/9 in 65.2 IP.

In 2026, he has split time between Single-A St. Lucie and High-A Brooklyn Cyclones. He has posted strong results overall in limited action (including a 0.50 ERA at High-A) with excellent command and strikeouts, though he dealt with a brief IL stint. He was also selected for Cuba's roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Key strengths: High strikeout rates (often 10+ K/9), improving command and control, and a solid strike-throwing ability. He has shown the ability to miss bats while limiting hard contact when everything is working.

Pitch Repertoire

Hurtado features a multi-pitch mix typical for a young lefty starter, with a fastball that plays up due to velocity and movement.

Fastball (primary pitch, ~50% usage): Sits low-to-mid 90s (90-94 mph), topping out at 96 mph. It has good induced vertical break (around 15 inches, averaging ~2,200 RPM). It's thrown with a slingy arm action from a three-quarters slot. Command is generally solid in the zone, though hitters can square it up when they make contact.

Curveball (~30% usage): Big, loopy "lollipop" pitch in the high-70s to low-80s. It has massive vertical break (around 50+ inches). Primarily used as a chase pitch outside the zone to generate swings-and-misses or weak contact/ground balls. It tunnels differently from his fastball.

Slider (~15% usage): "Slurvy" breaking ball in the mid-to-high 80s. Similar shape to the curve but tighter/harder with good horizontal movement. It has been effective for strikeouts and swing-and-miss.

Changeup (occasional): Used sparingly but shows promise as a third offspeed option with fade/separation from the fastball. It could become a more significant part of his mix for better tunneling and vs. opposite-handed hitters.

His breaking balls are generally thrown for chases rather than strikes, complementing a fastball that he can locate reasonably well. The arsenal gives him good potential as a starter, though consistency, durability, and further refinement (especially the changeup and overall command) will determine how high he climbs.

 

 

 

 

Mack – The 23 Best “I Believe” Things…

 

Mack – The 23 Best “I Believe” Things…

 

I believe…

1.      1. SP Nolan McLean has the potential of becoming one of the top all-time Mets starters. I believe he is that talented. The talent is there. He needs no more additional pitches. The secret is to keep him healthy.

2.      2. I believe Juan Soto will maintain an above-average level of production through the lion-share of years left on his contract. He’s currently one of the top offensive players in the game and I don’t believe that level will diminish through the remainder of this decade and well into his years past that.

3.       3. I believe Francisco Lindor will be around into the next decade and the main job now is to keep him off the IL. This may not be easy.

4.       4. I believe AJ Ewing will begin his Mets major league career as the starting second baseman and hold that position down until Elian Pena debuts there in a few seasons. He will then move out to the outfield and join Soto and his buddy Carson Benge. He’s off to a late start but he may “out-star” Benge.

5.       5. In the short run, I believe the best off-season addition is Tobias Myers. I would have stretched him out in the off-season, and the kiddies will be knocking the gate down reasonably soon, so any chance of him becoming a starter has to begin right now. Wednesday’s rough outing in frigid Denver is an aberration.

6.       6. I believe the best long-term off-season addition is Bo Bichette The bat is waking up and he is already ranked in the top 10 third basemen in DRS. Thrilled he’s aboard and hope he can be talked out of opting out at the end of the season.

7.       7. Carson Benge is now past his slow start. He’s now hitting .300+ recently and he’s ranked in the top three for LF DRS. The experiment worked.

8.       8. Clay Holmes is our ace this season and the Mets need to do everything they can to get him to drop his 2027 opt out. Holmes is needed while the kiddies work out their kinks.

9.       9. Kink #1 would be Christian Scott. There is huge pitching talent here that is just needed to be poured out of the bottle.

          10.  Kink #2 is the AAA strikeout leader, Jonah Tong. The problem is the rest of his game. It is getting better though and I see him ready around June.

          11.  No kink here. Current AAA ERA leader Jack Wenninger should be promoted NOW to replace one of the failing oldies in the rotation.

         12. The problem with Zach Thornton may be where to pitch him. The Mets rotation might be filled up with his buddies before he is ready. The worst here is a 2-inning long man.

         13.    It’s taking a while for Dylan Ross to get together this season, but it’s there now and he should be called up by the end of the season. Uber talent.

         14. Want a uber Swiss army knife UT player, C/1B/LF Chris Suero is your guy. It’s going to get so much easier to fill out your 26 when he is ready and can be penciled in for three positions.

         15, Nick Morabito will be one of my go-to UT outfielders when the dust settles. He may start out as the starting CFer, but I see his role as OF-4.

         16. Remember I said this… Yovanny Rodriguez will be your starting Mets catcher, latest 2029. 5-star talent.

m       17. My LHDH is simple. He’s currently hitting .333 for the Mets. Good enough for me. Another guy with initials… M.L. Melendez.

          18.  I believe that Randy Guzman could be the Mets first baseman in three years. Uber power being developed here. Signed in 2022 as a IFA. A steal of only a $10K signing bonus. Developing uber power. 10 home run last season. So far, seven this season for St. Lucie. 6-4 RHH. Remember this name.

          19. I believe the Mets have made some wonderful deals with undrafted players, starting with St. Lucie outfielder JT Benson. The 24-year old was signed away from the Lake Country DockHounds (2024), where he hit .286 in 109-PA. So far this year, Benson is batting 4-HR, 19-RBI, .309, in 92-PA. I believe Benson has a definite future for this team, especially if his power keeps developing.

          20.  I believe, around June 1^st, the Mets should flip shortstops between St. Lucie and Brooklyn. Let’s face it… Antonio Jiminez needs more grooming. I’ve been told he has a bunch of talent. The problem is it is not firing forward. At the same time, Elian Pena is eating up rookie ball in Florida. I believe the Mets should consider, around June 1^st, to flip these guys. Keep trying to find a level that Pena may need  

more time at. Who knows. There may not be any.

      21.  Wander Asigen is probably the most talented middle infield prospect. The problem is you are going to have to wait 4-5 years to see him play.

      22.   I believe 2027 will bring aboard the next best thing in IFA OF Cleiner Ramirez. But you will have to wait even longer than you waited for Asigen.

      23.   And 2028 will bring on another shortstop, Euneil de la Cruz.

Is   Is this good?

      Well, considering you are grading four full season teams, three rookie teams, and projected future uber International prospects... great teams would minimally have around 40 players on this list.  Just saying.