The Mets' Franklin Gomez: Velocity Boost and the Road to Success
The Mets' young pitcher, Franklin Gomez, is an intriguing prospect with a unique journey. At just 16 years old, he made his professional debut, showcasing an impressive feel for his pitches. However, his velocity was a concern, as it lagged behind that of his peers.
In 2025, the Mets decided to take action. They introduced Gomez to a higher-intensity throwing program, focusing on increasing his velocity. This involved using weighted plyometric balls and emphasizing the intent to throw harder during side sessions. The results were remarkable.
Gomez's four-seam fastball velocity increased by approximately 3 mph, rising from an average of 89-90 in 2024 to 92-93 in 2025. This improvement wasn't limited to his fastball; the speed of his cutter, changeup, two-seamer, and slider also enhanced.
The Mets' strategy was twofold. They continued to develop Gomez's physical maturation while implementing a new approach to velocity training. Midway through the 2025 spring training, Gomez began working with weighted balls and intense throwing sessions, resulting in a noticeable velocity boost.
Gomez's performance in the 2025 season was impressive. He made six starts for High-A Brooklyn, pitching 71.2 innings with 68 strikeouts, 34 walks, and a 2.76 ERA. He allowed only two home runs and maintained a high groundball rate of nearly 50%.
Despite a slight dip in velocity late in the season, Gomez finished strong, pitching seven scoreless innings in the playoffs for the South Atlantic League champions. His ability to command multiple secondary pitches, including a slider and changeup, is a key strength.
Looking ahead, one of Gomez's developmental goals for 2026 is to refine his cutter into a putaway pitch for right-handed hitters. The Mets aim to make this pitch more vertical and effective, complementing his sweeper and overall pitch repertoire.
