Mets sign former Orioles prospect with 97.5-mph fastball

March 2, 2026 - 18:12

The New York Mets have added a power arm to their organizational depth, agreeing to a minor league contract with right-handed pitcher Dan Hammer. The former Baltimore Orioles prospect, who possesses a fastball that has been clocked at 97.5 mph, will look to make his mark within the Mets' system.

Hammer, a longtime farmhand for the Orioles, spent the entirety of the 2025 season with the Double-A Montgomery Biscuits, an affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. While his statistical results have varied, the raw velocity and pitching arsenal have continued to intrigue talent evaluators. The move represents a strategic addition for the Mets, who are perpetually seeking to develop pitching talent that can contribute at the major league level.

For Hammer, the agreement with the Mets offers a fresh opportunity and a clear path to continue his development on the East Coast. The assignment will likely see him begin the upcoming season with one of New York's upper-minor-league affiliates, where he will work to refine his command and secondary pitches. If he can consistently harness his formidable fastball, he could pitch his way into consideration for a future bullpen role in Queens.