The Mets will improve their playoff chances Zach Thornton this week. The manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters, including The Athletic’s Tim Britton, that Thornton will play some role for the Mets on Wednesday. That can be as a starter or as a multi-person behind the starter. Thornton is not yet on the 40-man roster, so the Mets will have to make room for him somehow.
Thornton, now 24 years old, was a fifth-round pick of the Mets in 2023. He put himself on the prospect map for a strong 2025 season. He only started 14 games before his season ended, but the numbers were good. Between High-A and Double-A, he threw 72 2/3 innings, allowing a 1.98 earned run average. He struck out 28.5% of the batters he faced and walked only 4% of the opposition. He also grounded out on 43.2% of balls in the game.
Entering 2026, Baseball America ranked him as the #13 prospect in the program and FanGraphs had him ranked 12th. He doesn’t have great velocity, averaging 91 miles per hour with his fastball these days, but both BA and FG highlight his excellent command. FG also highlights his direct slot and ability to hide the ball as part of his delivery. His full arsenal includes a four-seamer, sinker, slider, cutter, curveball and switchup.
He continued to post good numbers this year, with five starts in Double-A and two in Triple-A. Combined, he threw 37 innings with a 3.16 ERA, a 26.5% strikeout rate, a 7.9% walk rate and a 44.4% ground ball. BA ranked him #10 in the program in today’s review.
The Mets are taking a deep dive due to recent injuries to Clay Holmeswho broke his right hamstring and could be sidelined in August. Christian Scott it starts tonight again Nolan McLean tomorrow. Wednesday would be Holmes’ turn. The Mets have long relief options on the roster, though Sean Manaea I just threw four innings in the back Freddy Peralta yesterday. Tobias Myers he has starting experience but has yet to throw more than three innings in any game this year.
Thornton will at least get a start. What remains to be seen is whether he will be returned to the children after that or if he will stick around. On the next turn, they can put Manaea or Myers in the Holmes area. They can turn to someone else on the farm, like Jonah Tong, Jack Wenninger or Jonathan Pintaro.
Photo courtesy of Jim Rassol, Imagn Images
