Minor League Mondays: When Ryan Lambert Could Help The Mets' Bullpen

One of the biggest surprises in spring training for the New York Mets was the performance of reliever Ryan Lambert. Few had high hopes for Lambert entering camp but he put on a show, displaying an electric fastball and wiping out hitters left and right. Even though Lambert didn't make the Mets' Opening Day roster, he is just one step away from the majors at AAA Syracuse, making him the focus of this week's edition of Minor League Mondays.

Ryan Lambert could help the Mets' bullpen this season.

Lambert, 23, was the Mets' 8th-round pick in 2024 out of Oklahoma. After falling in the draft due to his work as a reliever, the Mets were able to sign Lambert for under slot value and have gotten a true bargain. 2025 was a breakout year for Lambert, who struck out 81 batters in 50 innings pitched between High-A Brooklyn and AA Binghamton. Opponents hit just .168 against Lambert last year as he worked to a 1.62 ERA and 1.16 WHIP.

The Mets brought Lambert to spring training this year and he became a viral sensation after reports emerged that he drank 30 raw eggs per day for a month to bulk up during the winter. That extra protein paid off for Lambert, who was hitting 100 miles per hour with his fastball on the back fields and demonstrated electric stuff in exhibition games.

With competition tight for bullpen spots in camp, Lambert was assigned to AAA Syracuse to start the season. Early returns have not been great for him as he has a 7.00 ERA in 11 appearances. That ERA figure is a bit misleading since he gave up three earned runs in two thirds of an inning on April 25th, but the bigger concern is the fact that Lambert has walked 11 batters in nine innings pitched.

That walk rate is very high for Lambert, who walked 27 batters in 50 innings last season. It is very tough to roster a reliever who is issuing that many free passes, so the Mets will want to see Lambert significantly improve his command before they give him a look in the big league bullpen.

The stuff remains Lambert's eventual meal ticket to the majors, with his strong four-seam fastball and sharp slider giving him an effective reliever's arsenal. The lack of a third pitch means there is no possibility of turning Lambert into a starter, but finding home grown relievers who can hit 100 miles per hour with a fastball is a recipe for success for modern organizations.

Lambert is currently rated as the Mets' 17th-best prospect according to MLB.com, but the biggest hurdle to his eventual big league debut is the fact that he isn't on the 40-man roster yet. The Mets have already shuffled a few relievers through their bullpen, such as Austin Warren, but being on the 40-man roster provides a leg up in those situations.

Lambert doesn't need to be added to the 40-man roster this year to be protected from the Rule V draft, so he has to force his way to the big leagues by pitching well. Cutting down the walks will be the first step on Lambert's agenda, but once that happens he should be a consideration to fill in for the big league bullpen.

Keep a close eye on Lambert's performance with AAA Syracuse, which could dictate when he makes his big league debut. It would be a mild surprise if Lambert isn't in Queens at some point this season, but he could be a factor in the Mets' bullpen for years to come.