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Doctors might want to look away. New York Mets fans, meanwhile, might want to settle in for the insane story of relief pitching prospect Ryan Lambert.
Lambert, 23, last ranked as the No. 20 overall prospect for the Mets according to MLB.com. But you can expect that number to shrink when the league releases its 2026 preseason rankings.
His college career took him from North Iowa Area Community College, to Missouri State University, where he was cut for a lack of command, and then eventually to the University of Oklahoma, where the 6-foot-3 righty starred for the Sooners out of the bullpen.
The Mets selected him in the eighth round of the 2024 MLB Draft, and he began his pro career later that year in High-A ball.
In 2025, Lambert was promoted to AA Binghamton (shoutout the Bathtub Donkeys) and impressed in 39 appearances, striking out 64 batters in just 42 innings pitched.
This year, there’s a real chance he finds his way to the Major Leagues, whether it’s out of Spring Training or later on in the season.
But there’s a secret to his surprise ascension.
Ryan Lambert Went To Crazy Lengths To Gain Mass And Improve Velocity
Earlier this week, Mets beat writer Anthony DiComo sat down with Lambert to learn a little bit more about his rise through the ranks, as well as his background.
What he ended up learning was far more than he possibly could’ve imagined.
Two years ago, Lambert saw a video proclaiming the benefits of eating raw eggs. Except, he didn’t just start with an egg or two. Lambert went all the way in, immediately.
In a quest to build muscle and increase his recovery rate. He decided to eat 30 raw eggs per day for one entire month.
“Day 1, it was an adjustment for sure,” Lambert said. “But I’m not a chicken. I like a little adversity and challenge. It kind of gets me going.”
Are we sure about that second sentence there, Ryan? Because, y’know, you are what you eat, and, uh…
However, as crazy as it sounds, it worked. Lambert got bigger. He threw harder. And eventually, he landed at Oklahoma, which, while hesitant, took Lambert aboard and turned him into a stud.
These days, Lambert is fanatical about his diet. And who could blame him?
DiComo tells a story of Lambert and big-time Mets starting pitching prospect Jonah Tong going to a Brazilian steakhouse, where Lambert ordered a bowl of chicken hearts. He also apparently surveys the clubhouse dining room to examine his teammates’ plates for nutritional value.
We’re sure they love that.
“He saw me put an extra creamer in my coffee today and he was like, ‘Come on, dude,’” outfielder Nick Morabito said.
Lambert made his Spring Training debut earlier this week. He allowed one hit, but struck out three and allowed no runs or walks.
He’s nearing 101 miles on the radar gun, and thinks 102 is possible
Meanwhile, the Mets have a big-time bullpen prospect, and Lambert continues the long-running tradition of relief pitchers who are just a little bit unusual.