Dominic Hamel, RHP

B/T: R/R HT: 6’2 WT: 206LB

Age: March 2, 1999 (22)

Acquired: Mets 2021 Third Round Draft Pick (Dallas Baptist University – Dallas, TX)

2021 Stats (FCL) 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 2 G, 2 GS, 3.0 IP, 0 BB, 3k

Third round pick Dominic Hamel was single season leader strikeout leader at Dallas Baptist, and he came to the Mets as a high spin, analytics dream come true. MMN‘s own Mike Mayer noted Hamel and his spin rate ranked him 96th on MLB’s draft board.

In July. Jacob Resnick of SNY provided further context for the spin on Hame’s fastball. Director of amateur scouting Marc Tramuta described Hamel’s fastball as having “plus-ride.” A fastball that seemingly climbs toward the batter and a slider with big spin could help Hamel dispose of lower level minor league competition with relative ease.

In 2021, Hamel did in fact see some professional action, albeit brief, for the FCL Mets in September. In his three innings across two appearances, Hamel frankly could not have fared much better.

On September 10, Hamel faced three batters  and struck them all out, including Nationals first round pick Brady House. One week later, Hamel faced the FCL Astros and faced only six batters, collecting four more strikeouts.

In that brief glimpse, Hamelin was dominant, and it leads credence to projections he will rise quickly through the Mets system. For example, Baseball America‘s Carlos Collazo named Hamel as one of the most pro-ready draft picks in November.

While Hamel’s fastball, which can reach 96PH, and breaking pitches have drawn rave reviews, the development of his changeup may be the biggest task to fuel his rise through the ranks. As noted by MLB Pipeline:

Hamel was a darling of teams that favor analytics because his fastball, slider and curveball all have high spin rates. He works at 91-94 mph and reaches 96 with riding life up in the zone with his heater, which he likes to bust inside on hitters. His breaking balls can blend together at times, but they play well off his fastball, with his low-80s slider featuring late bite and his mid-70s curveball showing downer action at their best. 

The 2022 season will give Hamel an opportunity to build upon his brief and impressive debut. The ability for him to hone his change-up may very well indicate his success next year and in his progress as a prospect.