On this bonus episode of The Mets Pod presented by Tri-State Cadillac, Joe DeMayo sits down for an exclusive interview with Mets Double-A prospect Ryan Clifford, who is rising through the team’s farm system after being acquired in the Justin Verlander trade with the Astros last season. Clifford talks about his earliest baseball memories, the decision of going pro vs attending Vanderbilt, getting traded to the Mets, how he’s developed as pro player so far, and his goals for the remainder of 2024. Be sure to subscribe to The Mets Pod at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

00:00 Joe DeMayo talks to Mets prospect Ryan Clifford

00:15 Earliest baseball memory and favorite team growing up

00:30 Going pro versus going to Vanderbilt

01:00 Heading into the MLB Draft

02:00 Getting drafted by Houston

02:30 The trade to the Mets in the Justin Verlander deal

03:35 Transition to Mets player development system

04:10 Experience with Brooklyn Cyclones

05:15 Adjusting to Double-A

05:55 4 hits during a game on July 4

06:40 Playing defense

07:10 Offensive room for growth

07:55 Goals for the rest of 2024, eyes on the big leagues?