Bold claim: Ryan Clifford might be the future at first base, and the 2025 season gave us real reasons to reconsider that idea. After a rocky start, Clifford has shown measurable improvements that push his hit tool from questionable to average-bordering-on-real, raising his long-term upside in a way that’s hard to ignore. Here’s how the story unfolded and why it matters.
When we entered 2025, the verdict on Clifford felt harsh. He posted solid power and overall results, but his near 30% strikeout rate combined with a deliberately passive swing suggested a ceiling that might not justify the cost of the big trades from 2023. In short, the projection for a sustained household-name impact wasn’t encouraging.
Fast forward to the end of the year and Clifford has quietly become the most durable positive signal from those deals. The big turn came from a faster, more selective swing at hittable pitches and improved in-zone contact. Those changes nudged his hit tool from a fringe-viable prospect to something closer to average, or just a shade below. In Triple-A, his 34-game sample reflected this shift with above-average contact metrics, plus solid approach and power indicators. The final numbers—.237/.356/.470 with 29 home runs and a 137 wRC+ over 579 plate appearances in the upper minors—back up the narrative.
Yes, it’s still a somewhat three-true-outcomes profile: power, on-base ability, and strikeouts remain areas with room to grow, and his raw power isn’t explosive. But pairing a discerning plate approach with above-average contact, plus a knack for pulling fly balls and doing meaningful damage when he makes contact, creates a compelling foundation for an MLB-ready hitter with a reasonable floor. Add in solid defense at first base and acceptable fielding competence in the outfield—neither elite, but far from a liability—and Clifford becomes an intriguing watch. Baseball Prospectus even re-listed him on their Top 101 Prospect list at number 86, underscoring the industry’s growing confidence.
You might still be skeptical, and that’s fair. Consolidation in Triple-A will be crucial to solidify the new look of his hit tool and maintained plate discipline before a major league promotion becomes a certainty. If you’re seeking another data point, look at how the Mets approached their offseason roster strategy.
The Mets signaled a preference for controlled-term bets over long, expensive commitments to aging stars. They didn’t prioritize locking in Pete Alonso long term, and they traded Jett Williams rather than Clifford (or Reimer or Ewing) for pitching depth. They didn’t add a primary designated hitter or a long-term corner-infield anchor; instead, they preserved runway for internal options—Clifford among them—to win playing time.
What does that mean for Clifford’s trajectory? It doesn’t guarantee stardom or even sustained major-league success. Teams misjudge their own players all the time, even the most data-driven franchises. Still, there’s a tangible signal: after a season of notable improvement, the Mets appear prepared to give Clifford every chance to prove himself at the major league level this season. If he seizes that opportunity, he could indeed become the first baseman of the future.
Would you bet on Clifford becoming a major league staple, or do you think the risk still outweigh the upside? Share your thoughts in the comments.
