Blade Tidwell

ANALYSIS
Tidwell's ability to throw strikes has been very poor since his promotion from Double-A on May 21, when his stock was at an all-time high (2.41 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 44 Ks in 37.1 IP at Double-A). Even after Triple-A switched from automated balls and strikes in some games to only a challenge system in late June, there have been very few signs of improvement. He had a zero-walk game July 28, but still gave up four runs in six frames. From a results standpoint, his best Triple-A start may have been his most recent one Sunday, as he struck out four and walked two over five scoreless frames. Tidwell is talented enough to still develop into a quality starting pitcher if he shows up next season with improved control and consistency, as things may have snowballed on him this year for Syracuse. If it doesn't click next year, the Mets may explore how Tidwell's fastball/slider combo plays in relief.

ANALYSIS
Tidwell was promoted from Double-A Binghamton to Triple-A Syracuse in May and appeared to have a chance of making his MLB debut late in 2024, but he struggled in 19 outings for Syracuse with a 5.93 ERA, 1.56 WHIP and 77:53 K:BB across 85 innings. The 23-year-old right-hander is still one of the organization's top prospects, but he'll likely need to cut down on his 5.6 BB/9 before graduating to the majors.