Nice to Met You: Ernest Dove, Preeminent Mets Prospect Writer

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Ernest Dove has been talking about Mets prospects for over a decade. His work led to an endorsement from none other than Mets co-owner Steve Cohen on Twitter last May. You can find him on YouTube where he uploads videos on a regular basis, and of course on X. 

How did you become the preeminent Mets prospect hugger?

LOL honestly no idea. Back in 2013 while TECHNICALLY homeless living in a spare bedroom of someone’s apartment in Vegas I randomly decided to respond to an online ad to join MacksMets as a blogger, from there for a couple of years it was more weekly general New York Mets opinions and content mixed in with some prospect talk.  I'd say my true (self) label of prospect hugger began building from 2015 when I started attending St. Lucie Mets games in person, very slowly developing friendships with players, their family members, coaches, staff. At the time there was no MiLB broadcasts of the games so I would send pictures and video clips of players to their loved ones, and they maintained communication with me, always thanking me and things climbed from there over the years into other coaches, other Mets staff communication all related now specifically and solely to minor leaguers.  There's still/currently many out there, but I would like to think I reached this level of the true meaning of the label from these relationships, of which, for example, last week I texted back and forth with someone who has been out of baseball now for multiple years after not making it to MLB. We shared daughter stories and updates.  It's about more than just hugging prospects. I hype them, support their efforts going for their dreams, and I treat them like family regardless of their rankings, status or their outcomes in pro ball.

What were you doing when you first saw that Steve Cohen gave you a shout out? Did you have any idea he knew who you were?

I don't remember the year but one day a few years back I checked my Twitter X notifications and it said I had a new follower named Steve Cohen.  I checked maybe about 10 times re checking to see if it was a fan account, but it ended up actually being him! I had my dream moment the year it was I think opening day at Marlins Park, I attended a game with the 7Line army when Uncle Steve sat in the stands with our group.  When I went to try and get a selfie with him, I first thanked him for following me on X.  He asked my name, and when I gave him my full name he literally said "yeah I know you, I follow your stuff......" a friend has the encounter on video which to this day is insane. As far as the night of his post, I remember (for once) not being on my phone. I was watching whatever on TV, at some point I checked my phone with like 99+ notifications, something I've never had before lol. Before checking the notifications I first clicked on a DM message from someone who said DUDE congrats that's amazing..... Had no idea what he was saying until I started clicking on other notifications before seeing his actual post. I was like a child at Christmas getting a new toy. I ran into my daughter's room pretty much shaking, showing her the post and reminding her who he is.  She kinda thought it was cool, took a photo of his post on the phone, then went back to what she was doing because she could care less about sports.  Uncle Steve never gave me a heads up on that, but he did later check in jokingly asking about my following count and youtube subscription totals since. I was actually planning to quit my channel and content altogether this offseason.  That........has now changed. 

Is there a Mets prospect that surprised you in how well they ended up playing in the majors?

I was lucky enough to watch in person, later interview Jeff McNeil while he was in AA. I loved him for it. I also during a St. Lucie Mets game made him laugh while he was on deck, so I was hooked as his biggest fan. I started hyping him as a solid future 25th (26th) man because at the time in A Ball he was bunting for hits, playing wherever, and spraying the ball mostly for singles so I figured maybe he could become a nice little end of bench role player with value.  Wasn't expecting a batting title and 10+ HRs playing as an everyday player.

Nick Morabito seemingly gets a hit and a stolen base every night in the Arizona Fall League. Does he deserve a spot on the 40-man roster? Why or why not?

A couple years ago when Nick Morabito I think started slow then got hot in low minors, I asked I believe either a coach or Mets scout about him.  I was basically told "he's going to be good by the end of the year, really good". Was basically told that even though he was like age 20 it wasn't like a high rising situation like a Jett Williams where a kid from HS is dominating day one in pro ball. It was implied Morabito could take an extra couple years but that he would pay off and make it. I understand that regarding rule 5 its mostly arms that get drafted, but a kid like this, maintaining his ability to get on base without power at AA level with that ridiculous speed, why not protect him now, I mean they protected Alex Ramirez, who was way highly ranked but in no way close to ready for majors even without the hindsight with how he ended up.  I don't see much of a downside using a valuable 40 man spot on him.  At worst, as a floor projection, maybe he can be a Taylor/Siri type role player OF with less power. That has value to me.

Do you think Brandon Sproat and Jonah Tong getting called up to the bigs late last season will negatively impact their development? 

I had been reporting earlier in the 2025 season that Brandon Sproat wasn't repeating his dominant yet because Mets coaches changed and tweaked his arsenal, as they have done with countless arms throughout the system.  He needed time to adjust, Mets staff knew the issues, Sproat knew the issues, and I was told it was a matter of time.  As a senior sign guy, his issue is walks.  I don't think his rush to majors will have any impact, the focus with him will always be command. I'm told he's plenty good, kind, hard working and knowledgeable so this taste of MLB won't phase him. As for Tong, what you see is what you get.  He's a young at heart kid who coaches behind the scenes say "has an insane work ethic".  Tong says that motivation was modeled to him by his family.  He should be fine, and he himself understands what needs to be done. Improve command, make stronger use of all 4 pitches he has to throw.  

What’s the grief process like when a prospect you love is sent away in a trade?

As a fan, and sometimes as a friend of said player, it hurts.  This past deadline a friend of mine told me about a call from his significant other to the family member of a player who was traded, that got emotional for them.  I loved hyping that player so it affected me too, always does. I often remain in contact though with the players I communicated with.  Not gonna lie, some of them miss the Mets organization a lot because of all the new perks Steve Cohen put into place for minor leaguers.  Although there have been some others who loved the change and new motivation. Sometimes these guys feel stuck or trapped in a certain role or standing with the team, hard to break free from that.

Jett Williams plays second, short, and the outfield. What’s his best position?

I've seen the recent reports that were overall more positive on Jett defense around the middle infield, so I can assume it means he could now hold his own in MLB at SS but putting aside the obvious Lindor factor, I think he would be best served at 2B as an everyday player for Mets. I don't really put a lot of negative stock in his ability to play CF because of his height, especially since Mets for years have had guys out there who couldn't throw, and presumably I believe Jett has a stronger arm than Nimmo/Grandy, but unless Mets leave him out there for 9 AAA innings over 100 games straight to get use to it, I say let him hit his way onto MLB roster and leave him at second.

Between Jack Wenninger, Jonathan Santucci, and Will Watson, which pitcher would you least want to be traded away by the Mets?

Putting aside the jokes, this is a tough choice between these 3. My bias is Jack Wenninger because I interviewed him.  Santucci I believe by many accounts, media, staff and even fellow players would argue that he is the most talented of the 3 overall. I'd argue Wenninger is the most 'ready' and has the best command. Santucci the best FB, Watson may honestly be the most electric stuff wise but with his command I've stated publicly I wouldn't be shocked if he ends up in the pen. So for now, end of my own debate, I'd mostly hate to lose Wenninger, who I think can be an innings eating horse even if just a SP5+ arm.

 Is it realistic to think Carson Benge can win the Mets starting center field gig by Opening Day 2026? If not, when?

I've stated online I wouldn't be shocked if Carson Benge pulls an Alonso and breaks camp on the active roster.  He's the most well rounded position player in the Mets farm system in my opinion.  HIs natural ability to go opposite field, with power, draw walks, have enough speed, and teammates say he can play all 3 OF positions really well with a strong arm. He can make the jump. If not, sign a veteran on a 1 year deal and have Benge up by summer.

 If you could change one thing about minor league baseball, what would it be?

Because of my relationships with players and family members all these years now, and because of the stories I've heard publicly and privately, one thing I would change is how teams 'use' some of the players.  We all know who they are, their labels like "AAAA" guys or "fillers". Say what you want but these guys can always have a chance, you never know.  When guys have certain roles that involve changing affiliates daily, hopping on planes and buses, heading to field and jumping into innings on the mound regardless how fully ready or not, it obviously has an impact and factors include health of the pitcher and their arms.  All the while protecting the "top prospects" who would never pitch that many innings or pitches in a game. If a top arm is a reliever, he doesn't pitch 3 innings and over 50+ pitches randomly out of nowhere because hey a guy got promoted and we need a body.  It certainly can happen in MLB too with these arms but figure it out.  The used major leaguers earn high 6 figures to do it.  Oh and of course I think what needs to change in minor leagues is that the Mets don't currently employ me to hug their players for a salary.  

Hey, we’re on Signal now! Just in case you have any Met intel for me you don’t want traced back to you.

The first big free agent signing of the offseason went down last night - the Seattle Mariners are bringing back Josh Naylor on a five-year deal. Will this impact the Pete Alonso sweepstakes? Not sure. Both are first baseman, but Naylor is two and a half years younger than the Polar Bear. On the other hand, Alonso is the better player. The lone report so far on the financials claims the contract is in the “$90-100 million range”, so at best $20 mil a year. Alonso is definitely looking for more than that. 

There was baseball played at Citi Field over the weekend. On Saturday, 20,057 fans - including Edwin Díaz - watched the Dominican Republic defeat Puerto Rico 6-2. Old chum Robinson Caño was emotional when the game was stopped in the seventh inning so he could leave the field to a standing ovation. It was Caño’s last professional game in the United States. 

Before the game, Puerto Rico’s Carlos Beltrán said the Mets' top priorities this offseason are retaining Díaz and Pete Alonso, plus improving the team's defense. We knew this, but it’s refreshing to hear in plain English, as opposed to Stearnese. 

Bobby Valentine said on SNY that the 2026 Mets Hall of Fame ceremonies - where he, Beltrán, and Lee Mazzilli will be inducted -  will take place on Saturday, May 30th, when the Mets play the Marlins at Citi Field. I don't think he was supposed to reveal that information just yet.

Former Met bench coach John Gibbons good naturedly said on Terry Collins’ podcast that he essentially quit before he figured he’d get fired. 

The Mets officially announced their signing of utility man Jose Rojas, as well as the signing of infielder Jackson Cluff, to minor league contracts. In two seasons in Triple-A, Cluff has posted a .748 OPS. 

Today would have been Tom Seaver’s 81st birthday.