The New York Mets enjoy a bounty of right-handed starting pitching at every level. Yet, among the farmhands who may hear their names called, righty Jack Wenninger may not be at the top of their list. Yet, he could be closer to the big show faster than other highly touted prospects. Wenninger, as quietly as any productive prospect continues to perform, continues to delight in Syracuse.
Chris Fischer of Just Baseball broke down what the hurler could bring and what he works with. That could not come at a better time, as the team figures out whether they want to hang around as a buyer or seller at trade time. Moreover, Carlos Mendoza’s position as manager hangs precariously in the balance.
GettyMets manager Carlos Mendoza during a game against the Washington Nationals on April 29, 2026.
“The New York Mets do not lack right-handed pitching prospects, which is why they were willing to part ways with Sproat in order to acquire Freddy Peralta. Many think of Nolan McLean and Jonah Tong as the Mets’ future star right-handed pitchers, but do not overlook Jack Wenninger.”
Last season, many believed that Sproast would become a back-of-the-rotation starter with the ability to reach Queens and become the first leaf to fall in autumn. However, the president of baseball operations, David Stearns, used him as a chip to pry starter Freddy Peralta and swing pitcher Tobias Myers away from the Milwaukee Brewers. The 25-year-old currently holds a 0-2 record with a 5.87 earned run average.
Jack Wenninger is a name to know.
Jonah Tong might be the sexier name, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Wenninger up with the Mets before Tong.
Wenninger leads AAA pitching with a 1.27 ERA. The WHIP sits at just 1.16. Batters are hitting just .178 vs Wenninger. #LGM https://t.co/nY71zY0kiC pic.twitter.com/PaZMSKQoip
— Tablesetters: A Baseball Podcast (@tablesetterspod) May 7, 2026
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Same Class, Hidden in Plain Sight
Wenninger arrived at the Mets pretty much at the same time as other prospects. Yet, observers tend to ignore the No. 186 pick.
“Wenninger was part of the same Mets draft class in 2023, as they nabbed him in the sixth round. The 6-foot-4 righty features a fastball that has seen an uptick in velocity. It touches the upper 90s but sits around 93-96 mph. His best pitch, however, is his filthy splitter. He also throws a respectable slider and includes a curveball in his arsenal.”
“Wenninger’s really impressive, isn’t he?”
Three strikeouts in the 8th for Jack Wenninger 💪
(via @Cardinals) pic.twitter.com/i2VHnQ0PAT
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) March 7, 2026
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Players like A.J. Ewing, Nolan McLean, and Sproat populate the same draft class as Wenninger. However, taller power pitchers from the University of Illinois get ignored. With a blend of hard throwing and workable off-speed variety, from a ceiling standpoint, could eventually become a frontline starter.
“Another good outing yesterday…a guy that’s going to fill the strike zone. He’s doing everything we’re asking him to do. All of us are watching him.”
Carlos Mendoza on Jack Wenninger: pic.twitter.com/MfdsvF3E1S
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) May 7, 2026
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After a rough first season in the organization, sporting a 13.50 ERA, Wenninger focused and quickly advanced through the minors. Wenninger started grabbing attention when he arrived at Double-A Binghamton, posting a 12-6 record and 1.15 WHIP.
GettyMets RHP prospect Jack Wenninger.
Organization Hopes for RHP Rest With Improved Control
Wenninger can generate outs with an array of pitches. Yet his biggest area for improvement is his lack of control. Wenninger will occasionally devolve into a thrower instead of a pitcher. That is to say, he looks to throw every fastball as hard as he can, eschewing accuracy for unbridled power.
Last K of the day for Jack Wenninger (won challenge), another solid start for the @Mets #6 Prospect!
4.1 IP | 5 K | 1 ER | 2 R | 3 H | 3 BB pic.twitter.com/BRCuwW797M
— Syracuse Mets (@SyracuseMets) April 8, 2026
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At the major league level, 15 walks in 28 innings isn’t going to touch the diamond. Wenninger needs fine-tuning. As a result, a whole season in Syracuse could work wonders, as the right-hander starts to figure out higher-level pitching.
After Jonah Tong took a no-hitter into the 6th inning of his last start, he’s back on the bump tonight on @SNYtv!
Tong (@Mets No. 2 prospect) and Jack Wenninger (@Mets No. 6 prospect) have combined to pitch 19.2 straight scoreless innings@SyracuseMets vs @RocRedWings at 6:30! pic.twitter.com/0bnxR1SxAO
— Jack Gordon (@JackGordonJG) May 8, 2026
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All eyes will center on Stearns and Mendoza. If they feel the Mets can climb in contention, Wenninger will be a force in spring training. In contrast, if the team continues to reside at or near the bottom of the National League East, you could see him at Citi Field.
Mets Unheralded RHP Prospect Poised to Factor in Carlos Mendoza’s Future