SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Less than two years after the New York Mets chose him in the second round of the 2022 Major League Baseball draft, Loretto native and former University of Tennessee ace Blade Tidwell has been promoted to Triple-A Syracuse.
It’s an adjustment, but so far, it’s working out pretty well for both parties.
In his first start for Syracuse, he allowed just 2 runs and 3 hits in 5.2 innings pitched. In his second start, Tidwell threw six scoreless innings.
And while his last two outings with Syracuse, in the International League, were not vintage Blade Tidwell, he continues to work through the challenges.
“Overall, adjusting to the strike zone and improving command are things I’m working to improve,” he said. “I have command; I just need to adjust my targets at this level.”
Before his promotion, Tidwell notched a 2.41 earned run average through seven games at Double-A Binghamton of the Eastern League in 2024. Over 37.1 innings, he struck out 44, gave up 29 hits, and walked 11 for a WHIP of 1.07. In his April 17, 2024, start, Tidwell struck out 10 batters in five innings.
Across Double-A and Triple-A this season, Tidwell is 2-5 with a 3.15 ERA and 1.23 WHIP over 54.1 innings with 53 strikeouts and 25 walks.
“The hitters are more mature and have a better approach,” Tidwell said of the contrast in levels. “The strike zone is the biggest difference. But I feel good about it so far. I haven’t been on point yet and have gotten by – when it clicks and everything gets in sync, it should be much better results-wise.”
His fastball consistently tops out at 94-96 mph and he’s been tweaking his slider.
“The new pitch I have this year is a hard slider,” Tidwell said. “It has worked very well for me and I get a lot of weak contact and whiffs. It helps that I throw it in zone a lot.”
The journey so far
On July 17, 2022, Tidwell was selected by the New York Mets in the second round of the MLB Draft. On Aug. 16, 2022, one week after his first and only outing in rookie ball, Tidwell was promoted to Single-A St. Lucie.
At the time, Tidwell was working his way into a new system and learning the ropes. He said, “Right now I am focused on getting better in small ways and progressing through the minor leagues. There’s still a lot for me to learn from everyone along the way.”
That progress has been steady – in April 2023 he was called up to the High-A Brooklyn Cyclones and in July 2023 headed up to the Double-A Binghamton Rumble Ponies. Last month, he made his Triple-A debut with Syracuse.
In the most recent Baseball America Top 100 prospects list, Tidwell hit the rankings at No. 94. And he slides in at No. 10 on the Mets Top 30 list. Check out the video below to see why.
Long way from home
With stints in St. Lucie, Fla.; and Brooklyn, Binghamton, and now Syracuse, N.Y.; Tidwell has been working the East Coast. And those places are a long way from small-town Loretto, Tenn.
Still, he said he has been enjoying the ride.
“Syracuse is very nice so far,” Tidwell said. “I haven’t been here long enough to see it all, but it’s been a cool place so far.”
And to those back home, from Tennessee to Texas, from South Carolina to Minnesota, from Alabama to Illinois, Tidwell said, “Thanks to everyone who tunes in and supports me. It means a lot!”
To keep up with Tidwell’s progress, follow the Syracuse Mets on their social media channels and on their website.
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