NY Mets linked to Tigers ace: Here’s 3 prospects they can trade

3 prospects the Mets can trade for Eduardo Rodriguez, No. 2: Dominic Hamel, RHP

The New York Mets don’t have to give up one of their top five prospects in the pipeline due in part to Eduardo Rodriguez’s looming contract situation. But, they can throw in a top-10 prospect. So, how about the Detroit Tigers receive a right-handed starting pitcher with a projection of making it to the majors in 2024 — Dominic Hamel.

Here is what MLB.com writes in Hamel’s prospect profile:

"“The Arizona native is a favorite of anyone who loves spin rates. His 91-94 mph fastball, which can touch the mid-90s on occasion, plays better than its velocity alone because of its spin and carry up in the zone. A low-80s slider shows special spin rates in the 2,800-3,000 rpm range, and low-level hitters couldn’t handle that type of late bite. His mid-70s curveball is also in the upper reaches of the 2,000s for spin rate, but its lack of velo allows it to hang a little longer, making it more of an average offering. A mid-80s fading changeup gives Hamel an option against lefties that breaks the other way from his slider, and he’s credited that with improving as he got more experience in pro ball, though it still has some ways to go.”"

The 2021 third-round pick spent last season with Single-A and Single-A+. In 25 games (24 starts), Hamel recorded a 3.25 ERA, a 1.15 WHIP, a 10-3 win-loss record, 145 strikeouts, and 54 walks in 119.0 innings.

This season with the Double-A Binghamton Rumble Ponies, Hamel posted a 5.62 ERA, a 1.49 WHIP, a 2-4 win-loss record, 64 strikeouts, and 22 walks in 49.2 innings (12 games, 11 starts).

Hamel is the Mets’ No. 6 prospect and could be a trade piece for the Mets to acquire a big name at the deadline.