The New York Mets called up Blade Tidwell on Friday, according to multiple reports, setting the stage for the pitching prospect to make his MLB debut. With the team needing a sixth starter for this weekend’s series against the St. Louis Cardinals, Tidwell will take the mound on Sunday.
The 23-year-old has impressed in his recent outings, striking out 18 batters over nine innings while allowing four runs across his last two starts. His season ERA sits at 5.00, though that number is inflated by the hitter-friendly conditions of the International League and some tough luck on balls in play.
Per multiple reports, the Mets are calling up Blade Tidwell to start on Sunday in St. Louis.
Tidwell comes in at #12 in @PSLToFlushing‘s Top 30 prospects (https://t.co/nj3CGYELHe)
First on the news was @WexlerRules https://t.co/HK0ExtnnKE pic.twitter.com/wHHKtvPeDY
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) May 2, 2025
Mets Calling Up Blade Tidwell for Spot Start
Tidwell was selected by the Mets in the second round of the 2022 MLB Draft. He currently ranks as the organization’s No. 15 prospect, per MLB Pipeline. Over four minor league seasons, the right-hander has posted a 15–22 record with a 4.23 ERA and 322 strikeouts across 274 2/3 innings.
He features a lively four-seam fastball that sits between 94–96 mph and can touch 98, complemented by solid riding action. Tidwell also mixes in a sinker in the 92–94 mph range, offering nearly double the armside movement for a contrasting fastball look. His secondary arsenal includes a mix of gloveside pitches: an 83–90 mph sweeper, an 82–85 mph slider, and an 87–89 mph cutter.
Tidwell made an impression during spring training with an immaculate inning, striking out Josh Lowe, Eloy Jiménez, and Jose Caballero on just nine pitches.
Mets Turn to Sixth Starter for Good Reason
After Thursday, the Mets have six days remaining in a stretch of 26 games in 27 days. Starting Tidwell on Sunday against the Cardinals offers a few advantages. It gives Griffin Canning and David Peterson an extra day of rest before their starts in Arizona. It also provides Tidwell with a softer landing spot. St. Louis presents a less threatening lineup than the deeper Diamondbacks.
The Arizona series also carries tiebreaker implications. The Mets made the postseason last year by winning the season series over the Diamondbacks.
Main Photo: © Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
