Coming into 2026, there was plenty of buzz surrounding Jack Wenninger.
The Mets' No. 6 prospect has proven to be a workhorse for the organization. Since last year, Wenninger's 158 innings pitched and 31 starts both rank first in the system among qualified pitchers.
Nothing's changed since his charge toward Citi Field reached the highest level of the Minors.
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In his fifth start of the season, Wenninger struck out a season-high seven while scattering four hits and a walk over 5 2/3 innings in Triple-A Syracuse’s 7-0 win over Lehigh Valley at NBT Bank Stadium on Thursday. The outing lowered his ERA for the year to 1.61.
The 2023 sixth-round pick utilized his full arsenal against the IronPigs (Phillies), throwing all five of his offerings but favoring his two best pitches -- a 65-grade splitter and 55-grade fastball.
Wenninger’s four-seamer sat 93-94 mph for most of the outing and topped out at 95. While perhaps not overpowering in velocity, the pitch showed good ride through the zone, averaging 17.9 inches of induced vertical break and producing three strikeouts.
The splitter continued to do what it’s done all season -- get swings-and-misses. The Illinois product's best pitch yielded two whiffs, both resulting in strikeouts. For the season, the splitter has held at an impressive 45.5% whiff rate.
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Wenninger did benefit from the defense played behind him, particularly by A.J. Ewing (NYM No. 3/MLB No. 85).
The recently promoted center fielder made flashy diving catches on back-to-back plays to keep the basepaths clear for his starter.
But ultimately the outing was just more of what the Mets have come to expect from their 6-foot-4 right-hander.
Wenninger raised his profile in 2025 by posting a 2.92 ERA, a 3.05 xFIP and a 26.4 K percentage across 26 regular-season starts for Double-A Binghamton. He capped off the year by striking out 11 over five frames in the Rumble Ponies' winner-take-all victory for the Eastern League championship.