Dylan Ross is on a mission to conquer the major league bullpen in 2026, but will he succeed? The young pitcher has been making waves in the minor leagues, leaving fans and experts alike intrigued by his potential. And here's the twist: his journey to the top hasn't been a typical one.
Ross, a 25-year-old right-handed pitcher, had an impressive 2025 season, earning him the 18th spot on the Amazin' Avenue's top 25 prospects list. This ranking came after a trade that shook up the Mets' prospect rankings, pushing many players up a few spots. But what makes Ross' story unique is the path he took to get here.
The Mets drafted Ross in the 13th round of the 2022 draft, knowing he was injured. This injury delayed his professional debut, and he only pitched one inning in the 2024 season. But 2025 was his year to shine. He started in High-A Brooklyn, quickly moving up to Double-A Binghamton and then Triple-A Syracuse, all in the same season. His stats were impressive, with a 2.17 ERA over 54.0 innings and a 35.7% strikeout rate, but his 14.7% walk rate raises some questions.
The big question remains: Can Ross make an impact in the major leagues? While some relievers have found success despite a high walk rate, it's certainly a challenge. And the projections at FanGraphs predict a modest ERA of around four in a limited number of innings at the major league level this year. But projections are just that—predictions. And in baseball, anything can happen.
So, will Dylan Ross be the next bullpen hero or will he struggle to find his footing? Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure: his journey is a testament to perseverance and the unpredictable nature of the sport. And that's the beauty of baseball—it keeps us on the edge of our seats, eagerly awaiting the next big story. What do you think? Is Ross destined for greatness or is he facing an uphill battle? Share your thoughts below!
