Mets Minors 2024 Prospects: No. 12 Blade Tidwell
No. 12 Blade Tidwell, RHP
B/T: R/R Age: 6/8/2001 (22)
Ht: 6’4” Wt: 207 lb.
Acquired: Selected in the 2nd round of the 2022 MLB First-Year Player Draft from the University of Tennessee
ETA: 2025 Previous Rank: 7
2023 Stats (A+ Brooklyn and AA Binghamton): 11-6, 3.57 ERA, 116 IP, 153 K, 63 BB
Tidwell was the only pitcher selected by the Mets in the first three rounds out of the four picks in the 2022 Draft, signing him for above slot value at $1.85 million. He has seen steady progression through the minor leagues, advancing a level in each of his two professional seasons.
Among Christian Scott, Dom Hamel, and Mike Vasil, Tidwell has begun to get overlooked as a top arm in the Met’s farm system. According to MLB Pipeline, his fastball-slider combo is still one of the best in the organization, with both pitches rated as 60-grade pitches.
Tidwell dominated in High-A Brooklyn, pitching to the tune of a 3.09 ERA in 81 and a third inning. His plus slider was a quality strikeout pitch for South Atlantic League batters. His transition to Double-A Binghamton proved to be a more challenging jump for Tidwell, throwing 34 and a third innings with a 4.72 ERA.
Between his combined stints in Brooklyn and Binghamton, Blade led the Mets minor league system in strikeout rate (31.4 percent) and average against (.208). Tidwell’s crux continues to be his lack of command with his pitches, which leads to walks—his 4.89 walks per nine innings were pretty high, but considering the nature of being a strikeout pitcher, it is predictable.
Tidwell’s fastball is in the mid-90s and can reach 97/98 mph at times. His slider is his best secondary pitch, in the low-80s mph range. He also uses a curve (up to 60 inches of drop) and occasionally a changeup.
Blade Tidwell, Photo by Bronson Harris of the Binghamton Rumble Ponies
2024 Outlook
As of the 2024 season, Tidwell settled into Double-A nicely after a rough finish last season. Through four outings (21.1 IP), Tidwell boasts a 1.69 ERA, allowing two walks per appearance. Lowering his BB% while maintaining his high strikeout numbers will be Tidwell’s challenge as he navigates his way closer to the major league club.
There is continued optimism within the Mets organization that Tidwell is still a top-of-the-rotation arm, with good reason for that belief.
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