By Sunday 
Sproat’s Path to the Big Leagues Requires One More Step
Brandon Sproat has turned heads this spring, showcasing why he’s considered the Mets’ most exciting young pitching prospect. His electric stuff and previous dominance in the minors have fueled speculation about a big-league call-up. But a recent outing against the Houston Astros served as a reminder—there’s still one box left to check before he makes the leap.
A Promising Spring with a Bump in the Road
Sproat’s spring training performances have been largely impressive, but Thursday night against Houston, he hit a rough patch. In just two innings, he allowed two runs on four hits and a walk, managing only two strikeouts. It wasn’t a disastrous showing, but it wasn’t the kind of performance that forces the Mets’ front office to accelerate their plans.
With that, his spring ERA sits at 4.50—respectable, but not dominant. The Mets had already made their decision: Sproat would be heading back to minor league camp.
Patience Over Urgency
Given the Mets’ current rotation struggles due to injuries, some wondered if Sproat might be fast-tracked to the majors. But Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns made it clear that the team is sticking to the plan:
“We want to see him have significant success at the Triple-A level, I think he wants to prove he can do that as well. Once we see that, we can start talking about when is the right time at the major league level.”
The message is simple—flashes of brilliance aren’t enough. Consistency at the highest minor league level is the key to unlocking a spot in the majors. Last season, Sproat dominated High-A (1.07 ERA in 25.1 innings) and Double-A (2.45 ERA in 62.1 innings), but Triple-A was a different story. In 28.2 innings, he struggled to a 7.53 ERA, proving he still has adjustments to make.
Think of it like a video game: mastering the early levels doesn’t mean you’re ready for the final boss. Sproat still needs to prove he can handle Triple-A before he’s thrown into the deep end of the major leagues.
No Doubt About His Future
Despite the temporary setback, there’s no doubt about Sproat’s potential. His high-velocity fastball and sharp secondary pitches make him a future staple in the Mets’ rotation. The organization is confident he’ll figure things out, and when he does, the call-up will come quickly.
When that moment arrives, Sproat won’t just be another arm. He has the tools to be a difference-maker for the Mets. But for now, it’s about refining his command, proving he can consistently dominate at Triple-A, and making sure that when he finally steps onto a major league mound, he’s there to stay.
The wait won’t be forever. And when the time comes, Brandon Sproat will be ready.