Cincinnati – Brandonnimo made his way toward the left field line, standing out as the only player around—no pitchers, catchers, or coaches in sight—as several Mets’ bullpen members and some teammates stretched nearby.
Earlier in the day, about five hours before the game, he wanted to have a chat with a newcomer.
Brandon Sprout, reflecting on the advice Nemo provided, recalled, “He said to spend 15 seconds just taking it all in.”
For Sprout and the Mets, this seems to be just the beginning of something bigger.
The young pitcher will become the third top starting pitcher in the organization to make his debut this past month when he takes the mound on Sunday.
Sprout, a promising right-hander, was drafted twice by the Mets—first in the third round of 2022 after he left the University of Florida and again in the second round of 2023 after a failed agreement.
This week, Syracuse manager Dick Scott called Sprout into his office to let him know he would throw a light bullpen session that day.
It wasn’t part of Sprout’s scheduled minor league timeline; he had anticipated starting on Friday. A bit puzzled, he questioned the decision before it was revealed that he would indeed be starting on Sunday in Cincinnati.
The Florida native held back his emotions, but eventually called his parents to share the news.
“We just sat there and cried for a bit,” his parents said, along with his two sisters, grandmothers, an aunt, an uncle, and a cousin, all present for his debut. “They’ve been my backbone through everything this year—it’s been quite a journey.”
And what a year it’s been for Sprout.
He began his campaign as the organization’s top pitching prospect, following a stellar first season in Pro Ball that saw him propelling up to Triple A.
His potential shone through during spring training, but he faced some challenges upon returning to Syracuse and encountered his first real difficulties in the pros.
In his initial 15 starts with Syracuse, the 24-year-old posted a 5.95 ERA and seemed to struggle with walks (43 in 62 innings).
During this time, Nolan McLean made his own debut, quickly surpassing Sprout. Jonaton, who had spent most of the season with Double A Binghamton, also advanced in the queue to Queens.
Sprout’s mindset revolved around a personal mantra—”Let It Eat”—which he reminded himself of to ensure he threw with confidence and full effort.
His performance improved dramatically. In fact, he finished his last 11 minor league starts with a remarkable 2.44 ERA, striking out 70 in 59 innings.
His most recent outing saw him pitch a three-hit gem last Saturday, prompting manager Carlos Mendoza to interpret it as a clear message that Sprout was ready for the major leagues.
Throughout the season, Sprout has expressed that he believed he could contribute to a major league team this year.
However, the Mets seemed reluctant to agree until recently, opting to demote struggling pitcher Kodai Senga and elevating Sprout as the sixth starter, joining the ranks alongside McLean and Ton.
Sprout has been joking with friends, nudging them about pre-game rituals, timing, and workout gear needed for their sessions.
If Sprout had any concerns about joining the team this year, he was hesitant to admit it.
“Honestly, I just focus on where my legs are,” Sprout shared. “I have faith, and I believe that when it’s God’s time, I will be called.”
