Mets Sign 97 MPH Pitcher With Perfect Name

New York adds minor league free agent Dan Hammer to the roster.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The New York Mets have signed right-handed pitcher Dan Hammer to a two-year minor league contract. Hammer's fastball reaches 97 mph, but he has struggled with control issues in the minors, averaging 7.5 walks per nine innings over his career.

Why it matters

The Mets are looking to bolster their pitching depth, and Hammer's high-velocity stuff could make him an intriguing project if the team can help him improve his command. While he has yet to reach the majors, the signing represents a low-risk move that could pay dividends if Hammer is able to harness his potential.

The details

Hammer, a 28-year-old right-hander originally from Philadelphia, was a 13th-round pick by the Baltimore Orioles in the 2019 MLB Draft out of the University of Pittsburgh. He has never made it higher than Double-A in the minor leagues, posting a 6.57 ERA in 31 appearances for the Rays' Double-A affiliate in 2025. However, Hammer has shown the ability to miss bats, averaging 10.9 strikeouts per nine innings in his minor league career.

  • Hammer signed a two-year minor league contract with the Mets on Sunday, March 2, 2026.

The players

Dan Hammer

A 28-year-old right-handed pitcher who was signed by the Mets to a two-year minor league contract. Hammer's fastball reaches 97 mph, but he has struggled with control issues in the minors.

New York Mets

A Major League Baseball team based in New York City that is looking to bolster their pitching depth with the signing of Dan Hammer.

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What they’re saying

“The tantalizing part of Hammer is the strikeout numbers. He has averaged 10.9 strikeouts per nine innings in his minor league career.”

— Anthony DiComo, MLB.com reporter (yahoo.com)

What’s next

The Mets will look to help Hammer improve his command and control in the minor leagues, with the hope that he can eventually contribute at the major league level.

The takeaway

The Mets' signing of Dan Hammer represents a low-risk move to add a hard-throwing pitcher with potential, as the team looks to bolster its pitching depth and find ways to unlock Hammer's talent despite his past control issues in the minors.