Ryan Lambert, a New York Mets pitching prospect, has captured attention with his rapid advancement through the minor leagues, fueled by an extraordinary approach to enhancing his pitching power. At 23 years old, Lambert was ranked as the Mets’ No. 20 overall prospect by MLB.com, though his standing is expected to rise significantly in the 2026 preseason rankings. His unique efforts to improve velocity and strength have played a key role in his unexpected rise.
Lambert’s collegiate career was marked by multiple transitions, beginning at North Iowa Area Community College, moving to Missouri State University where he struggled with command, and finally finding his stride at the University of Oklahoma. At Oklahoma, the 6-foot-3 right-handed pitcher became a standout reliever for the Sooners. The Mets drafted him in the eighth round of the 2024 MLB Draft, and he began professional play in High-A ball that same year.
Strong Performance in the Minors Paving the Way
In 2025, Lambert earned a promotion to AA Binghamton, affectionately nicknamed the Bathtub Donkeys, where he quickly made an impact. Over 39 appearances, Lambert struck out 64 batters across just 42 innings, showcasing his strikeout ability and potential as a future major leaguer. This season holds promise for Lambert to earn a spot on the Mets’ Major League roster, whether during Spring Training or later in the campaign.
Raw Eggs as the Secret to Increased Velocity
Mets beat writer Anthony DiComo revealed a surprising factor behind Lambert’s surge: his extreme diet strategy that included consuming raw eggs. Two years ago, Lambert encountered a video promoting raw egg consumption for muscle growth and recovery. Rather than easing into it, he took the challenge head-on by eating 30 raw eggs daily for a month.
“Day 1, it was an adjustment for sure,”
Lambert admitted.
“But I’m not a chicken. I like a little adversity and challenge. It kind of gets me going.”
Despite the shocking nature of this regimen, it succeeded in bulking up Lambert and enhancing his pitching speed. His transformation caught the attention of Oklahoma’s coaching staff, who embraced him despite initial hesitation, ultimately developing him into a formidable bullpen asset.
Lambert’s Dedication to Nutrition and Performance
These days, Lambert’s focus on diet remains intense and particular. DiComo detailed how Lambert and fellow Mets pitching prospect Jonah Tong once visited a Brazilian steakhouse where Lambert ordered chicken hearts, underscoring his commitment to unique protein sources. Additionally, Lambert reportedly monitors his teammates’ meals in the clubhouse to evaluate nutritional value.
“He saw me put an extra creamer in my coffee today and he was like, ‘Come on, dude,’”
said outfielder Nick Morabito.
Lambert recently made his spring debut, striking out three batters while allowing only one hit and no runs or walks. His fastball has approached the 101 mph mark, and he believes he can push it to 102 mph, underscoring his impressive arm strength.
The Growing Impact of an Unusual Bullpen Talent
Lambert’s journey reflects the long-standing tradition of Mets relief pitchers who stand out not just for their talent but also for their unusual approaches. As one of the Mets’ most promising bullpen prospects, his discipline and willingness to push boundaries provide optimism for the team’s future pitching depth. If Lambert continues on this trajectory, he could soon become a significant presence on the Major League mound.
