Among the several young players in the system, 23-year-old Ryan Lambert stands out as a potential breakout prospect for the Mets. Drafted in the eighth round in 2024, Lambert quickly moved through the minors, posting strong numbers at Double-A after a brief High-A stint in 2024. His 2025 showing—2-1 with a 1.62 ERA, 7 saves, 81 strikeouts, and a 1.16 WHIP—illustrates why he’s viewed as MLB-ready and a candidate to contribute at the major league level soon.
Lambert’s profile emphasizes a traditional reliever built for late-inning pressure, relying on a high-velocity fastball that can reach triple digits and a sharp slider. Despite not yet ranking among the organization’s top prospects, many analysts see him as a potential impact arm for the Mets in the near term, capable of stepping into bullpen roles as needed.
Team management, led by manager Carlos Mendoza, faces the challenge of finalizing an Opening Day roster that balances immediate bullpen needs with long-term development. Lambert could begin the season in the minor leagues to continue refining his command, but a major league debut later in 2026 remains plausible given his performance trajectory and the Mets’ bullpen requirements.
Ultimately, Lambert’s development will be watched closely as a barometer of the Mets’ depth and readiness to capitalize on their improved roster. If he accelerates to the majors as envisioned, he could become a notable contributor in high-leverage situations as the season unfolds.
