NEW YORK — Christian Scott, one of the Mets’ top pitching prospects in recent years, is set to undergo season-ending elbow surgery next week and will be sidelined for the entire 2025 season.
On Wednesday, Scott shared that he will undergo a hybrid procedure that combines Tommy John surgery with a stabilizing internal brace. Recovery from this type of surgery typically takes 12-18 months.
“It’s tough, no doubt,” Scott said. “I love competing and doing what I do. This is the best job in the world. It’s frustrating, but it’s part of what we sign up for.”
NEW YORK — Christian Scott, one of the Mets’ most promising pitching prospects over the past decade, will undergo season-ending elbow surgery next week, sidelining him for the entire 2025 season.
Scott revealed on Wednesday that he will have a hybrid elbow surgery, combining a traditional Tommy John ligament replacement with a stabilizing internal brace. Recovery from this type of procedure typically ranges from 12 to 18 months.
“It sucks, obviously,” Scott said. “I love competing and doing what I do. This is the best job in the world. So yeah, it’s tough, but this is part of what we sign up for.”
The 25-year-old pitcher had a breakout year, rising from being unranked on the Mets’ 2023 Top 30 Prospects list to No. 5 before the 2024 season. Scott posted a strong 3.20 ERA over five Triple-A starts early in the season, earning a quick promotion to the Majors, where he recorded a 3.90 ERA over five outings.
Despite his success, the Mets, with a crowded rotation, sent Scott back to Triple-A until July, where his performance became less consistent. In late July, Scott was placed on the injured list with a sprained UCL in his right elbow. Although he initially hoped to avoid surgery with rest and rehab, Scott struggled to regain full velocity, especially on his offspeed pitches, prompting the decision to proceed with surgery.
“It’s unfortunate that he’ll be out for a while, but this year has been a big learning experience for him,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said. “He’s shown he can compete at this level, and he knows what it takes to be a Major League pitcher.”
Dr. Keith Meister, who previously operated on Mets relievers Brooks Raley and Drew Smith, will perform the procedure.
“It’s not ideal, but I’m staying positive,” Scott said. “I’ll focus on doing everything I can to get ready for 2026. I’m excited about attacking this process head-on.”
Scott finished the season 0-3 with a 4.56 ERA over nine Major League starts. Because he logged fewer than 50 innings, he will still be eligible for rookie status when he returns in 2026.
“I’m just taking things day by day,” Scott said. “I’m focused on being the best version of myself daily, and I know things will work out.”
Scott’s absence highlights the Mets’ pressing need for pitching this offseason. With Sean Manaea, Luis Severino, and José Quintana all set to become free agents, the team will lose more than 500 innings from its 2024 starting rotation. While top prospects Brandon Sproat and Blade Tidwell are nearing MLB readiness, neither is a lock for Opening Day.
Returning starters Kodai Senga, David Peterson, Tylor Megill, and Paul Blackburn will be options, and José Buttó could also be converted back to the rotation. However, the Mets are expected to pursue additional pitching help from outside the organization.
