When Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns was in the press box at Citi Field earlier this season, much of his conversation with the media revolved around pitching prospect Brandon Sproat.
Stearns spoke again to reporters on Friday about Sproat's rapid development, but this time with the right-hander sitting in the room.
The Mets honored their Player Development Award winners ahead of the second of a four-game series against the Phillies.
Sproat, the Mets' No. 1 ranked prospect, was named the team's Minor League Pitcher of the Year, while outfielder Nick Morabito was named Minor League Player of the Year.
“I think both of them are adding different elements to their game and continuing to grow,” Stearns said, praising the two players ahead of the 2024 season.
“You don't know this, Brandon, but the last couple press conferences I was in here, the press conference pretty much revolved around you,” Stearns said, turning to face the pitcher. [Sproat] Ultimately, we had to go in a different direction.”
Sproat later said he had no knowledge of that.
But Sproat, a University of Florida product, had been on Stearns' radar as he worked his way up through the Mets' system, from High-A earlier this year to Triple-A Syracuse in mid-August.
Sproat compiled a 3.40 ERA with 131 strikeouts in 23 minor league starts at High-A, Double-A and Triple-A, including 11 consecutive strikeouts in his final start at Double-A Binghamton before being promoted to Syracuse.
“It's been a lot of fun. It's been a rollercoaster ride,” Sproat said, reflecting on this season.
As for the differences between the different levels this season, the right-hander said the biggest change was moving up from Double-A to Triple-A. He said he had to learn how to approach hitters differently and was facing players with major league experience.
“I think the biggest thing for me is learning how to take control on the mound,” Sproat said before the Mets' brutal 12-2 loss to the Phillies. “When things get tough, learn to embrace it. Learn how to deal with it like I've done it before and limit the damage as much as possible.”
Sproat added that he has grown a lot since the start of the year and has gained confidence at every level he has experienced.
The 24-year-old is on the brink of a major but said Friday not to get his hopes up too much.
“When my time comes, that's my time,” Sproat said. “I feel confident enough in myself to come in here and contribute to the team, and it'll help even more, especially with the support of the older guys.”
