Blade Tidwell: Stepping into the Spotlight
With all eyes on top pitching prospect Brandon Sproat this spring, it’s easy to overlook some of the Mets’ other talented young pitchers who are in major league camp, vying for a chance to make an impact. One such pitcher is Blade Tidwell, a second-round draft pick from 2022 out of the University of Tennessee. On Saturday, Tidwell took the mound for New York against the Tampa Bay Rays and delivered a standout performance. In his second start of the spring, the 6-foot-4 right-hander threw two perfect innings, including an immaculate inning, and recorded five strikeouts while topping out at 99 mph with his fastball.
A Perfect Afternoon
Tidwell’s outing was nothing short of impressive. The 23-year-old was eager to see how he would fare against a big league lineup, and he clearly rose to the challenge. He needed just 16 pitches to complete his two innings of work, with 16 of those pitches being strikes. In the second inning, he struck out Josh Lowe, Eloy Jiménez, and José Caballero on nine pitches, achieving an immaculate inning—a rare feat that Tidwell didn’t even realize he had accomplished until he saw it on social media after the game. "I thought it was gonna be fun and gonna be a challenge, and it ended up being both," he said, reflecting on the experience. The perfect innings and the high strikeout rate were a testament to Tidwell’s control and the effectiveness of his arsenal.
Mastering the Arsenal
One of the keys to Tidwell’s success on Saturday was the diversity and command of his pitches. He threw all five of his pitches: four-seam fastball, two-seam fastball, changeup, sweeper, and gyro slider. This variety allowed him to keep the batters guessing and off balance, contributing to his perfect innings and high number of strikeouts. Tidwell recently streamlined his pitch selection, opting to go from nine to five grips. "It’s easier to control," he explained. "It’s like the saying, ‘it’s better to have five mastered pitches than it would be to have like nine average pitches.’" This adjustment seems to be paying off, as it allows him to focus on perfecting his most effective weapons.
The Physical Edge
Tidwell’s physical condition has also improved, which he credits as a significant factor in his recent performance. He noted that his body is "moving a little faster now than it was maybe last year at this time." This increased speed and coordination were evident in his pitch velocity and the precision of his throws. When everything aligns like it did on Saturday, Tidwell feels a sense of confidence and mastery on the mound. His ability to sync his physical movements with his mental game is a crucial aspect of his development, and it bodes well for his future prospects.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite the promising signs, Tidwell’s journey has had its share of obstacles. Last season, he split his time between Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A Syracuse, finishing with a 4.86 ERA across 122.1 innings. However, his performance in Syracuse was less consistent, where he struggled with a 5.93 ERA and a 1.56 WHIP over 19 games, including 17 starts. Home runs and walks were his primary issues, with 17 home runs and 53 walks. Recognizing these areas for improvement, Tidwell has been diligently working on his command and pitch selection during spring training. "I feel like I can stack up with the best of them if I’m commanding the ball and that’s just what I’ve been trying to work on day in and day out," he stated, demonstrating his commitment and resilience.
A Path to the Big Leagues
For Tidwell, the ultimate goal remains making it to the big leagues. While the journey is ongoing, he is focused on the process and "just riding the wave." The blueprint for a major-league call-up is clear, as seen with Christian Scott’s successful transition last year. With Sproat and other pitching prospects also pushing for spots, the competition is fierce, but Tidwell’s recent performance suggests he is well on his way. If he can maintain this level of control and command, his number will be called sooner rather than later. For now, Tidwell is content to continue proving himself at Triple-A and working towards that next step in his career.
