Mets prospect R.J. Gordon battles early 2026 struggles after standout 2025 season

R.J. Gordon entered the Mets organization as a 13th-round selection in the 2024 draft and quickly exceeded expectations in his debut professional season. In 2025, he advanced to Double-A Binghamton, where he recorded a 3.36 earned run average and amassed 147 strikeouts in 128 2/3 innings, helping the farm system earn top national ranking.

A lat strain early in the 2026 campaign forced him out of action until May, and his subsequent outings have resulted in a 7.96 ERA over 15 games. Gordon told reporters he believes confronting the current difficulties is vital for both his development and the Mets' broader efforts to reverse a year of regression highlighted by owner Steve Cohen. The pitcher hopes the latter part of the season will showcase his resilience and contribute to the club’s improvement.