Mets sign promising right-hander to Power-House Welcome Home.!!
Mets sign promising right-hander to Power-House Welcome Home.!!
The New York Mets have spent the offseason acquiring promising minor league players, hoping that one or two will complement their big-name acquisitions. Their latest pickup? Right-handed pitcher Andrew Carson from the University of Tampa, a name that may not be familiar now but could become one to watch.
A Surge in Velocity
Carson has seen a significant increase in the velocity of his fastball in recent months, now averaging in the mid-90s and reaching a peak of 96.9 mph during a training session at Tread Athletics. This kind of improvement is like adding extra power to a car that already performs well—it changes how scouts and teams perceive a pitcher.
However, a high velocity isn’t enough on its own. Carson understands this and has committed considerable time to improving both his physical and mental approach to elevate his performance.
Strong 2024 Performance
Carson made a solid impression last season with impressive stats. In 14 appearances over 34 innings, he posted a remarkable 1.06 ERA and 0.91 WHIP, striking out 32 while issuing just 11 walks. These numbers earned him a spot on the ABCA/Rawlings NCAA Div. II South All-Region First Team, a clear sign of his skill.
Carson has certainly figured something out, and the Mets are betting on his ability to maintain that success.
A Unique Delivery and Developing Pitches
One of Carson’s most intriguing features is his arm slot. It’s not quite sidearm, but lower than the typical three-quarter release, which gives batters a different angle and adds deception to his fastball.
His pitch repertoire includes a fastball, curveball, and slider. The Mets’ development team will likely work with him to refine his breaking pitches and adjust his approach to fully capitalize on his strengths.
A Project to Monitor
At 24, Carson still has room to grow, and the Mets know he’s not an immediate star. He’s a project—a pitcher with raw talent that needs honing. While some minor league acquisitions fall short, others surprise and establish themselves in the major leagues. The Mets are hoping Carson will fall into the latter category.