Is This The Mets Most Underrated Pitching Prospect? An Analysis of Tyler Stuart

An Analysis of Tyler Stuart

Tyler Stuart grabbed the attention of some prospect watchers last season after he finished with the lowest ERA in the minor leagues at 2.20. However, there is more behind this shiny number as the peripheral numbers are not as nice for Stuart. He racked up many of his good numbers while pitching for the Mets high-A affiliate in Brooklyn, a stadium that is notoriously hard to hit in. When he got called up to double-A his numbers regressed, posting a 3.60 ERA. Despite his impressive 2023 Stuart's future as a starter is far from certain but that does not mean he can’t be a valuable asset for the Mets. The intrigue around Stuart starts with his height, standing at 6-9 Stuart is an imposing presence on the mound. Naturally, he has elite extension making his fastball which sits around 92-96 look even faster the pitch also features above above-average sink due to his low arm slot. 

Recently Stuart seems to be throwing distinct sinkers and four seamers. Due to his low arm angle, I would like to see Stuart throw his four-seamer up in the zone more.  Because of his low arm slot and elite extension, I believe a four-seamer would get more whiffs than a sinker for Stuart.Stuart’s slider is his main secondary pitch. It has a good amount of sweep but does tend to leave it up in the zone. The reason Stuart has tended to throw a sinker rather than a four-seamer may be because it pairs better with his sweeping slider. 

However, I would like to see him take a different approach by throwing a four-seamer more to get whiffs when ahead in the count, especially to left-handed hitters. While using the sinker more strategically against right-handed hitters to get easy strikes and change eye levels. Stuart also has a changeup and curveball that he uses occasionally but they are far behind his fastball and slider. The Mets like Stuart has a starter because of his above-average command and endurance but with essentially two pitches that could be hard.

I foresee Stuart, who was a reliever in college as a future Swingman. Having pitchers that can fill in for innings at a time is something the Mets have been missing since Trevor Williams left in 2022. It is something we have seen the Giants do time and time again with funky relievers just eating innings for them, Ryan Walker, Sean Hjelle, John Brebbia etc. David Stearns has made it known that he values different looks in his bullpen. And Stuart provides that.  His height, unique slider, and arm angle will throw hitters off after facing traditional pitchers. While Tyler Stuart likely is not a future front-of-the-rotation starter he will provide value for the Mets with his flexibility. This could also mark a new period of pitching development for the Mets under David Stearns, where they are not restricted by traditional pitching roles but are more interested in getting outs and eating innings. That is why Tyler Stuart and the crop of swingmen that come after him are underrated.