Mets' Zac Thornton rises as unexpected rotation asset this season

Zac Thornton has emerged as a surprising contributor for the New York Mets this season. The 24-year-old left-hander, initially viewed as minor league depth after being drafted in the fifth round, has made eight starts with a 2.78 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP. His development has been attributed to improvements in conditioning and game preparation, with Mets' farm director Andrew Christie highlighting Thornton's competitiveness and ability to generate weak contact from hitters. Despite mixed results at Triple-A, where he had a 4.02 ERA, his performance in the majors has positioned him as a potential long-term piece of the rotation.

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