Every year, a few under-the-radar MLB draft picks force their way into relevance. New York Mets pitching prospect Brett Banks is one of them. Drafted in the 11th round in 2023 out of UNC Wilmington, the right-hander has turned himself into a pitcher worth watching. In this exclusive interview, Banks opens up about his development, goals, and what’s ahead for him in 2026 – and I got the chance to ask him about all of it.
Mets Prospect Brett Banks Discusses His Development
Banks, 24, is coming off a strong 2025 season in which he posted a 2.23 ERA in 36 1/3 innings, struck out 36 batters, and finished with a 1.156 WHIP. He spent most of the year with the Mets’ High-A affiliate Brooklyn Cyclones, who ended up winning the South Atlantic League Championship. But his season didn’t end there, as Banks was selected to pitch in the Arizona Fall League, one of baseball’s premier stages for emerging prospects. Though he left early, the experience left a mark.
Brooklyn Bound!
Congratulations to both Hoss Brewer and Brett Banks on their promotions to @BKCyclones! pic.twitter.com/GHvvh1YGoq
— St. Lucie Mets (@stluciemets) June 16, 2025
“Amazing experience. Getting to play with other orgs’ top prospects in baseball is always a good thing. It challenges you as a player, and you get better from harder competition. Teammates like Kevin McGonigle and Nick Morabito are guys that are super talented who you know will be in the big leagues. It’s a fun environment,” he said.
Asked if he worked on anything specific, like sequencing, pitch shape, or command, Banks replied, “I think the main thing was sequencing better and putting guys away early. I think at times during the regular season I wasted pitches, which led to walks, or tried to do too much.”
Mets RP prospect Brett Banks has finished his time in winter ball and will continue on with his normal offseason routine. His time in AFL is highlighted by his 13 Ks in 6 inn, lead by his improved slider developed with help from Mets minor league coaching staff.
— Ernest Dove (@ernestdove) November 7, 2025
Room for Improvement
Banks said he is always looking for new ways to improve, and one of those ways is by sharpening and expanding his repertoire, which currently features a fastball, sweeper and splitter – and now a slider. “We also worked on a new, shorter, harder slider to compliment the sweeper I already have,” he said.
While his walk numbers were somewhat high, he held opponents to an impressive .192 batting average, but how?
“Just trusting my pitches when i’m on the mound. Letting my stuff work in the zone and making hitters beat me and not beat myself. Still trying to limit walks and free bags, but was always out there trying to fill up the zone and it led to a ton of weak contact,” he said.
Goals
Looking ahead, Banks detailed his goals for the coming season. “Stay healthy, continue to develop, and help the big-league team whenever that time comes.”
Many around the Mets organization feel good about the way Brett Banks is developing, but they want more out of him.
“I think my coaches believe there is more in the tank as I do myself. I’m competitive, and I always want the ball in high-leverage situations and I expect that to continue heading into 2026.”
Banks also had a lot to say about the farm system as a whole: “I think it’s a big year coming up for a ton of guys and the org as a whole. I think you can expect the Mets to stay at the top with the best farm system. I firmly believe in our organization top to bottom that guys are going to continue to develop and help the big-league team win games.”
What’s Next For Banks
Had it not been for an injury that sidelined him for the entire first month of the season, Banks likely would’ve made one step closer toward reaching the Major Leagues – a promotion to Double-A Binghamton. Nevertheless, Banks says his short-term goal is to start 2026 with the Rumble Ponies as he enters a year he thinks will be a big one.
“Nothing is set in stone yet. Just gotta continue to improve and do well during Spring Training,” he said.
While Banks did not receive an invitation to big-league camp, he expects to pitch in some spring training games. He will have the opportunity to impress the Mets’ coaching staff and front-office brass.
All told, 2026 could be a defining year for Banks as he looks to build off his 2025 campaign and bring himself closer to Queens.
Main Photo Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
