A former pitcher for the Tennessee Vols was named the New York Mets’ Triple-A Player of the Week.
Former Tennessee Vols Pitcher Blade Tidwell Named Triple-A Player of the Week by New York Mets
In a remarkable display of talent and perseverance, former Tennessee Volunteers pitcher Blade Tidwell has been honored as the Triple-A Player of the Week by the New York Mets. This accolade not only underscores his exceptional performance on the mound but also highlights his journey from college baseball to the professional ranks.
Early Life and College Career
Blade Tidwell’s baseball journey began in the heart of Tennessee, where he showcased his prowess as a right-handed pitcher for the University of Tennessee Volunteers. During his tenure with the Vols, Tidwell quickly gained recognition for his impressive fastball and sharp slider. In his freshman season, he posted a 3.74 ERA over 98.2 innings, striking out 98 batters. His performance was a testament to his potential and set the stage for his future in professional baseball.
However, Tidwell’s college career was not without its challenges. Prior to the start of his sophomore year, he experienced shoulder stiffness and soreness, leading to a delayed start to the season. Despite this setback, he returned to the mound in late March, initially limited to one-inning stints before gradually increasing his workload. His resilience during this period demonstrated his commitment to the game and his ability to overcome adversity.
Transition to Professional Baseball
In the 2022 MLB Draft, Tidwell’s potential was recognized when the New York Mets selected him in the second round with the 52nd overall pick. He signed with the team for $1.8 million, marking the beginning of his professional career. Tidwell’s transition from college to professional baseball involved a series of assignments across various minor league levels, including the Florida Complex League Mets, St. Lucie Mets, Brooklyn Cyclones, and Binghamton Rumble Ponies.
Throughout these assignments, Tidwell continued to develop his skills and adapt to the demands of professional baseball. His performances were marked by notable strikeout numbers and an evolving pitching repertoire, which included the introduction of a cutter to his arsenal. This addition proved beneficial, as it helped him reduce walks and enhance his effectiveness on the mound.
The 2024 season saw Tidwell’s continued ascent through the Mets’ farm system. After a successful stint with the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, where he posted a 1.84 ERA over 14.2 innings, he was promoted to the Triple-A Syracuse Mets. In his first three games at the Triple-A level, Tidwell maintained a 1.84 ERA, allowing only 8 hits and 5 runs while striking out 18 batters.
His outstanding performance did not go unnoticed. Tidwell was named the Triple-A Player of the Week, a testament to his dominance on the mound and his ability to perform under pressure. This accolade not only recognized his individual achievements but also highlighted his potential as a future asset to the Mets’ pitching staff.
Blade Tidwell’s journey from a promising college pitcher to a standout in the Mets’ minor league system is a story of determination, skill, and growth. His recent recognition as Triple-A Player of the Week serves as a milestone in his career, reflecting his hard work and dedication to the game.
As Tidwell continues to develop and refine his skills, the prospect of his eventual call-up to the major leagues becomes increasingly plausible. His performances in the minors have demonstrated his readiness to compete at the highest level, and the Mets’ organization will undoubtedly be monitoring his progress closely.
Blade Tidwell’s achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring baseball players and a reminder of the rewards that come with perseverance and dedication. His story is one of overcoming challenges, embracing opportunities, and striving for excellence in the pursuit of a professional baseball career.
