Blade Tidwell to Start For Mets on Sunday

Pitcher Blade Tidwell is joining the Mets in St. Louis for what would be his MLB debut, per a Friday report from Daniel Wexler. MMO’s own Mike Mayer confirmed the report. Mike Puma of the NY Post later provided further confirmation, adding that Tidwell be making a spot start for the Mets in Sunday’s series finale against the Cardinals.

Tidwell, 23, owns a 4.23 ERA over parts of four minor league seasons, along with a 10.6 K/9. The Mets originally drafted him in the second round out of the University of Tennessee in 2022. He ranked 15th on MMO’s most recent top prospects list, with Mayer noting the need for Tidwell to refine his control.

Tidwell’s control has improved, going from 5.6 BB/9 in 85 innings in Syracuse last year to a more modest 3.3 per nine in 27 innings this season. His ERA does sit at an even 5.00, but he’s struck out 37 to give him 12.3 K/9. Both his walk and strikeout numbers sit at minor league career bests. Those marks give him a 3.17 FIP and 3.79 xFIP, indicative of the hitter-friendly environment in the International League.

Tidwell can reportedly throw up to 99 mph and features a sweeper, slider and cutter. The majority of his minor league work has been as a starter (58/62 games started), though Mayer noted in his scouting report that Tidwell projects more as a reliever.

Thomas Nestico has a deeper look at Tidwell’s arsenal, with his sweeper and slider particularly grading out well.

The right-hander made two appearances for the Mets this past spring training. The first one didn’t go particularly well, with three runs in two innings, but he threw an immaculate inning in the second one. He struck out five and didn’t allow a hit or a walk in two innings of work.

The Mets begin a three-game series Friday in St. Louis against the Cardinals. No official announcement has been made yet about Tidwell or a corresponding move.

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