Welcome to The Mets Pod
On the latest episode of The Mets Pod, presented by Tri-State Cadillac, hosts Connor Rogers and Joe DeMayo traveled down to Port St. Lucie to capture the excitement and progress of Mets spring training. Joining them this time were two special guests: Andy Green, the Mets’ Senior Vice President of Player Development, and top prospect Drew Gilbert. The episode delved into the improvement of the team’s player development system and the journey of some of the club’s most promising young players.
Andy Green on Player Development
Andy Green, a familiar face in the baseball world, shared his insights on joining the Mets organization. He emphasized the significant strides the team has made in enhancing its player development system. Green highlighted the team’s commitment to identifying and nurturing talent, from the minor leagues to the major leagues. He discussed the progress of key prospects such as Brandon Sproat, Nolan McLean, Jonah Tong, and Carson Benge. Each player, according to Green, brings unique qualities and has shown remarkable growth in their respective roles. Green’s passion for player development was evident as he detailed the holistic approach the Mets take, focusing not just on physical skills but also mental and emotional readiness.
Brandon Sproat and Nolan McLean: Rising Stars
Green shed light on the impressive development of Brandon Sproat and Nolan McLean. Sproat, a top pitching prospect, has been working on refining his mechanics and developing a more consistent breaking ball. His progress has been closely monitored, and Green believes he has the potential to be a significant contributor to the major league roster in the near future. Similarly, Nolan McLean, known for his power-hitting, has been honing his defensive skills and improving his plate discipline. Green praised McLean’s work ethic and dedication, noting that his power and potential make him a formidable prospect. Both players are poised to make their mark in the organization, and Green is optimistic about their future contributions.
Jonah Tong and Carson Benge: Steady Progress
Jonah Tong and Carson Benge were also mentioned as players showing steady progress. Tong, a talented infielder, has been focusing on his versatility and defensive range. Green noted that Tong’s ability to play multiple positions makes him a valuable asset, and his offensive game has shown consistent improvement. Carson Benge, a pitcher, has been working on his command and developing a more robust secondary pitch. Green highlighted Benge’s resilience and the strides he has made in his overall game, positioning him as another promising young talent in the Mets system.
Drew Gilbert: Overcoming Adversity
In the second segment, the guys welcomed Drew Gilbert, one of the Mets’ top prospects, to the podcast. Gilbert candidly discussed his recovery from a significant injury that sidelined him for most of the 2024 season. He shared the mental and physical challenges he faced during his rehabilitation and how he stayed motivated. Gilbert’s resilience and determination were evident as he talked about the support he received from the organization and his teammates. He is now focused on bouncing back strong in 2025, with a big league call-up being just one call away. Gilbert’s journey underscores the importance of perseverance and a strong support system in the competitive world of professional baseball.
Listener Mailbag: Contract and Pitching Questions
Later in the episode, Connor and Joe tackled the listener mailbag, responding to a variety of questions. One of the most pressing topics was Pete Alonso’s contract situation. They discussed the significance of extending Alonso’s deal and the impact it would have on the team’s long-term stability. The hosts also delved into modern pitching conventions, exploring how the Mets are adapting to the evolving landscape of baseball, particularly in the areas of pitch design and workload management. Lastly, they addressed the Mets franchise home run record, speculating on who might be the next to challenge Pete Alonso’s current dominance.
Stay Tuned for More
Be sure to subscribe to The Mets Pod on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode offers a deep dive into the Mets’ player development strategies and the personal stories of some of the team’s top prospects. Whether you’re a die-hard Mets fan or just interested in the behind-the-scenes aspects of baseball, there’s something for everyone in this engaging and informative podcast. Catch it today and stay tuned for more exciting content from the world of the New York Mets.
