Common problem can hold back NY Mets prospect from a timely MLB debut

New York Mets pitching prospect Jonathan Santucci is approaching a potential major league debut following a productive minor league season. The pitcher recorded a 3.57 ERA across 90.2 innings in Double-A Binghamton, earned an Eastern League All-Star selection, and led all of minor league baseball with 163 total strikeouts before his promotion to Triple-A Syracuse.

Despite high strikeout numbers and a 35.0% whiff rate, Santucci faces ongoing control issues that could delay his MLB call-up. His walk rate sat at 12.0% in Double-A and increased to 13.5% across 34.1 innings in Triple-A, highlighting command as his primary obstacle to reaching the majors.