​Ryan Clifford will be the Mets system’s sole representative at the 2026 All-Star Futures Game on Sunday afternoon. Acquired alongside Drew Gilbert in the 2023 trade deadline deal that sent Justin Verlander to Houston, Clifford entered the season as Amazin’ Avenue’s No. 8 Mets prospect. With the graduations of Nolan McLean, Carson Benge, and A.J. Ewing, he currently sits at No. 2 on MLB Pipeline’s ranking of Mets prospects.
The 22-year-old first baseman has spent the entire season at Triple-A Syracuse, posting a .198 batting average, .286 on-base percentage, and .399 slugging percentage through 85 games. He has driven in 47 runs and belted 16 home runs. While primarily playing first base, Clifford has showcased versatility by appearing in the outfield as well, recording 16 starts in left field and 13 in right field, in addition to 48 starts at first base and six as the designated hitter. Yet his standout attribute remains his power, as evidenced by 88 homers over the past four seasons.
If Clifford goes deep in the Futures Game, he would become the first Mets player to homer in the event since Francisco Álvarez did so in 2021. The first pitch is scheduled for 12 p.m. ET on Sunday, and NBC will broadcast the game. This appearance marks another milestone for a prospect who has continued to climb the Mets’ prospect rankings and could signal a breakout moment on one of baseball’s premier showcase stages.