Dom Hamel Thrives in Yankees-Mets Rivalry After Journey to the Big Leagues

For Dom Hamel, the spotlight of the Yankees-Mets rivalry feels like a homecoming. The right-hander for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders was set to pitch the second game of a doubleheader against the Syracuse Mets at NBT Bank Stadium, where he spent the last two seasons before rising to Triple-A in 2024. Drafted by the Mets in the third round out of Dallas Baptist University in 2021, Hamel’s journey through the minors culminated in a season where he started 27 games, posting a record of 5-9 with a 6.79 ERA and 124 strikeouts in 124.2 innings.

Last season, Hamel began as a starter but transitioned to the bullpen, where he made 31 appearances, including 11 starts. He finished with a 4-6 record, one save, a 5.32 ERA, and 75 strikeouts over 67.2 innings. Throughout his time in Syracuse, Hamel faced the RailRiders 10 times, showcasing his talent with notable performances such as allowing just one run over six innings in a 2-1 victory on July 11, 2024, and throwing five shutout innings in a 5-1 win on April 2, 2025. He also played a key role in a three-hit shutout on August 31, 2025, working two perfect innings with three strikeouts.

After being called up from Syracuse on September 13, he made his major league debut on September 17 against the San Diego Padres, pitching one-plus innings in a 7-4 loss. However, just one day later, the Mets designated him for assignment. The Baltimore Orioles claimed him on September 20, but he was DFA’d five days later. The Texas Rangers picked him up on September 27, only to DFA him in January, after which the Yankees acquired him.

“After I was put on waivers and claimed here, I was excited. I grew up a Yankees fan,” Hamel reflected. He expressed admiration for the organization, noting the commitment he observed from his teammates. “There wasn’t a doubt I was coming into a good org and was going to see some development.” His experience in big-league camp has been invaluable, allowing him to connect with top players, including Cody Bellinger, whom he knew from high school in Chandler, Arizona.

“Coming into camp was cool to see him again and catch up,” Hamel said, highlighting the importance of learning from seasoned professionals. He also spoke highly of reliever Paul Blackburn, whom he met in the Mets organization. “I see my future in kind of a similar realm as him,” Hamel said, recognizing Blackburn’s professionalism and work ethic.

While Hamel is eager to return to a starting role, he acknowledges the benefits of his time as a reliever. “Going to the bullpen was good for me,” he stated, emphasizing the urgency it brings to pitching. “I feel I can do anything.” Despite a challenging start to the season, going 0-2 in his first three outings with the RailRiders, Hamel remains confident. “I had a good offseason back home in Arizona. Worked on some stuff I feel is going to contribute in the long run,” he shared. “If you don’t believe yourself in that aspect, you’re going to be stuck.”

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.