Sproat Gets His Callup; Can He Make An Impact?

Sproat Finally Commands Syracuse

Sproat flew through the minor leagues in 2024, dominating at Brooklyn and Binghamton to a combined 6-2 record with a sub-2.50 earned run average. He struck out 110 in 87 2/3 innings pitched. His excellence earned him a promotion to Triple-A Syracuse and a rise to the top of New York’s pitching prospect charts. Expectations rose through the roof, and for the first time, he struggled to meet them.

Sproat labored to a 1-2 mark with a 7.85 ERA in seven starts at Syracuse. The exposure figured to set a good foundation for 2025, and many anticipated a quick call-up. That didn’t happen as he battled inconsistency, seeing his earned run average climb over five. Sproat also watched McLean and Tong move past him in the pitching rankings. McLean became Syracuse’s ace, and Tong dazzled with unprecedented dominance at Binghamton.

General Manager David Stearns delayed all summer when McLean clearly deserved a promotion to the Big Apple and Tong a call-up to Syracuse. Sproat tried to force Stearns’ hands also through improved performance.

Over the last two months, Sproat made 11 starts, only giving up more than two earned runs twice. In seven of those appearances, he allowed one or zero earned runs seven times. He threw 59 innings during that span with a 2.40 ERA and 70 strikeouts.

Consistency became Sproat’s trademark through command and poise. He watched McLean finally get a Big Apple promotion in mid-August. Next, Tong received a much-deserved rapid call-up after only two starts in Syracuse.

Mets Veteran Pitchers Implode

The Mets’ rotation overachieved through mid-June, maintaining MLB’s lowest ERA. On June 13th, Kodai Senga strained his right hamstring, and nothing has been the same since. The starting corps sub-three earned run average has risen to nearly five over the last two months. Throughout July, the rotational core made it to the sixth inning only nine times.

Senga missed five weeks and became a disaster following his return. In nine starts, he pitched into the sixth only once.  Only three times did he make it into the fifth inning; his command increasingly became a problem. Over his last 39 2/3 innings pitched, he walked 26.

The higher pitch counts and frequent men on base made it impossible for Senga to provide any length. Mets management finally made a move to address his struggles by requesting that he go to Triple-A; Senga accepted the demotion today.

Sean Manaea is in a similar position to Senga. Manaea became New York’s ace during last year’s second-half storybook run, but has struggled with injuries throughout 2025. He didn’t make his season debut until July. After several initial promising starts, he crumpled. In August, he pitched into the sixth only once and maintained a 7.00 ERA. The Mets lost four out of his five appearances.

Clay Holmes, like the other starters mentioned, has become a five-inning-or-less pitcher. Over the last two months, he made it into the sixth only once. He struggled with command, walking a batter every other inning, pitched to a high four earned run average, and saw the losses pile up.

The Mets also lost Frankie Montas for the season; he pitched dreadfully during his short stint. In nine starts, he struggled to a pathetic 6.28 ERA and became a three-inning pitcher by the end. 

Stearns Sits On His Hands

A rotation that can’t consistently provide quality starts deflates all around it. The bullpen is asked to do much more than it should; it collapses from fatigue. The hitters find themselves in daily four to five-run holes, and frustration builds.  All of this occurred in New York as a game-best 45-24 record turned into a 64-58 mark. The once secure playoff spot dwindled to a half-game lead over the Reds.

Stearns did not make a deal for a much-needed impact starting pitcher at the trade deadline. The asking price for high-end arms was likely exorbitant, but the Mets, at the bare minimum, needed to acquire innings eaters who could provide length. Instead, nothing was done.  

Stearns compounded the problem by keeping his top pitching prospects down in the minors until McLean’s debut on August 16th. By then, New York suffered through a 2-14 stretch. Weeks were lost and became filled with defeats.

McLean, since his promotion, has dazzled with a 4-0 record and 1.37 ERA. Tong made his debut on August 29th and showed promise in beating the Miami Marlins. The rookie pitchers have won every start, while the veterans, excluding David Peterson, have been incompetent.

Sproat will be the next pitching prospect to take the baton on Sunday. He earned an earlier opportunity, and it is fair to ask why it took so long. Stearns is a meticulous executive to a fault; he doesn’t overreact. His careful approach has helped him gain a respectable reputation around the game.

The method also cost the Mets at least several games in the standings, if not more. Where would they be if Stearns had called McLean, Tong, and Sproat up a month earlier? A strong argument could have been made for McLean’s promotion to come as early as mid-June when the rash of injuries began.

End Of My Brandon Sproat Rant

Fans should be excited about Sproat’s debut, but should also temper hopes. It took him some time to get comfortable in Syracuse; it wouldn’t be shocking if he has a similar adjustment period in the majors. Even if there are initial struggles, the promotion is the right call, and if anything, long overdue. His presence alone will make a huge difference.

Sproat undoubtedly learned much during his humbling times in Triple-A. All that had come easily before suddenly didn’t work against a higher level of hitter. Most learn more through adversity than success; Sproat is in this group. He mastered how to adjust and to trust in his ability. Sometimes, players hesitate through fear of failure, especially after taking a few knockdowns. He said he struggled through this.

Performing on the biggest stage in baseball, if not all sports, requires confidence and boldness. Sproat learned how to work through self-doubt and defeat and turned into an excellent Triple-A pitcher, especially over his last month. He saved his best for last, throwing a seven-inning scoreless gem, striking out nine.

New York has a huge series on the road this weekend against the Reds. They need all the energy they can get. Tong, pitching tomorrow, and Sproat, on Sunday, will help provide it. Hyped prospects bring hope and electricity, something the Mets, who sleepwalked through much of the summer, desperately require. Showdown matchups can’t be won without intensity. Management is finally making the right call on how to deliver it.