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What to Expect from Mets Pitcher Blade Tidwell

Originally posted on New Baseball Media
By Chris Studley | Last updated May 3, 2025 12:37 PM ET

The Mets will promote pitching prospect Blade Tidwell for his MLB debut during the first weekend of May. Tidwell lit up the lower Minors two years ago before struggling at Triple-A. However, Tidwell has gotten his turn at the MLB level after a strong start in Syracuse this season.

A Look at Tidwell

It’s been a wild ride for Blade Tidwell, the Mets’ second-round pick in 2022. Tidwell was a high-octane arm at Tennessee who struck out 91 over 98.2 IP in 2021. However, shoulder soreness kept him out for a healthy chunk of 2022 — his draft year. Tidwell only threw 39 frames. However, he struck out 51.

Tidwell immediately jumped to the top of the Mets’ organization among pitching prospects. The right-hander excelled in the pitcher-friendly environment in Brooklyn (A+), as he struck out 112 over 81.2 IP before throwing well in Binghamton in 2023-24. However, he hit a wall at Syracuse (AAA) last season, as he conceded 17 home runs and 53 walks over 85 frames. It led to an ERA of 5.93 with the baby Mets.

He was better in 2025, as Tidwell saw the walk rate drop slightly (3.33 BB/9), and he struck out the third-most batters in the International League with 37. Only Ian Seymour (Rays) and Jacob Misiorowski (Brewers) had more.

The 23-year-old can gas hitters. Tidwell topped out at 99 MPH with Syracuse, and he’ll lean quite often on his fastballs, between his four-seamer with carry (17.1” IVB) or his sinker, which is more of a running two-seamer.

Blade Tidwell Pitch Movement 2025 Via New Baseball Media

Since the new regime took over in 2023, the Mets have sought to incorporate sinkers — or at least increase the usage of said pitch — on many of their starters. Tidwell is one such arm that’s seen a reciprocal increase.

This season at Syracuse, Tidwell tossed a sinker 19.5% of the time. Last year, it was 10.1%.

Aside from the fastballs, Tidwell offers a low-to-mid-80s changeup with run, plus two breaking balls. One is a harder slider that sits in the high-80s with varying shape, as well as a slower sweeper.

Between his arsenal, willingness to pitch backwards, and a reasonable approach when it comes to hiding his arm when throwing, there’s a lot of upside with Tidwell. However, what will ultimately determine his upside is the command. Tidwell posted a 4.71 BB/9 in 2024 and in 2023, it was higher (4.89).

Blade Tidwell will make his MLB debut for the Mets on May 4.

Analysis

The Mets had plans to go to a six-man rotation this season, given the amount of arms the team had, plus to give Kodai Senga a more natural flow. Senga, a former NPB pitcher accostomed to the one start a week routine, has had five days of rest in between every start he’s made this season.

But because of injuries to Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas, the Mets have needed to get creative to eat innings. Justin Hagenman and Brandon Waddell, bulk pitchers, have been used as piggybackers this year.

Now, Tidwell will get a shot to start. He’ll join a group that includes the aforementioned Senga, David Peterson, Tylor Megill, Clay Holmes, and Griffin Canning, all of whom have been excellent this season.

At some point, the Mets had to add him to the 40-man roster and give him a chance to compete. Over the last few weeks, he’s earned his shot.

Tidwell has impressive stuff and despite his struggles at Triple-A. induced a swings. And this season thus far, the righty had a 33.3% Whiff% with Syracuse.

This article first appeared on New Baseball Media and was syndicated with permission.

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