Mets Eye Bullpen Reinforcements Ahead of Trade Deadline

As the MLB trade deadline approaches, the New York Mets are prioritizing their bullpen, aiming to enhance their performance for the remaining season. David Stearns, the club’s president of baseball operations, elaborated on the team’s immediate needs during a recent press briefing.

Identifying the Need for Bullpen Help

Stearns indicated that the bullpen is the top priority as the trade deadline looms. He expressed a clear intention to seek external additions to bolster the team’s relief options. "If that doesn’t happen for some reason, then we probably have to begin to think about some of the arms at Triple-A and whether those guys at some point can impact us in the bullpen," Stearns mentioned.

Key Triple-A Prospects

Among those Triple-A prospects who could be called upon are:

• Brandon Sproat
• Nolan McLean

Both players have shown promise in their minor league performances but are not yet primed for a major league relief role. Nonetheless, their ongoing development makes them candidates to step up as the Mets push towards the postseason.

Performance Highlights:

• Brandon Sproat: After a rocky start, Sproat has bounced back, delivering 23 consecutive innings without allowing an earned run.
• Nolan McLean: With a solid 2.58 ERA across 17 games split between Syracuse and Double-A Binghamton, McLean has been a consistent performer.

Brandon Sproat may play a pivotal role if needed for the Mets’ bullpen.

This strategy of integrating minor league starters into the bullpen was successfully employed by Stearns during his tenure with the Milwaukee Brewers, where players like Corbin Burnes and Freddy Peralta made the leap from the rotation to relief.

Caution in Transitioning Starters

While Stearns sees the merit in using top starting prospects as relief options, he recognizes the complexities involved. "The challenge with [converting] in-season is once you do that, you can’t reverse yourself in the same season," he cautioned.

This remark underscores the Mets’ cautious approach. The starting rotation, once plagued by injuries, is now healthy, and the team is reluctant to deplete its depth.

Potential Promotions and Waiting Game

Stearns stated that there is no immediate pressure to call Sproat or McLean up to the major league roster. He expressed satisfaction with their development, noting, “Both those guys, I think over the last three weeks, have taken meaningful steps forward in their development.” Their readiness will be assessed as the season progresses.

Upcoming Innovations in the Roster

In addition to potential bullpen changes, several players are on the verge of returning from injuries:

• Starling Marte: Expected to return within days, possibly by the series finale against the Angels. He is reportedly hitting off a machine and nearing full fitness after suffering a knee bruise.
• José Buttó: Aiming for a swift return following a successful rehab outing over the weekend.
• Paul Blackburn: Recovering from a right shoulder impingement, Blackburn is set for another rehab start at Syracuse soon.

Starling Marte is on track for a quick return after recovering from injury.

Recently, the Mets also made roster moves, including reclaiming right-handed pitcher Rico Garcia and sending Richard Lovelady to Syracuse after he cleared waivers. However, Dedniel Núñez has been placed on the 60-day injured list following elbow surgery.

Conclusion

As the Mets prepare for the upcoming series against the Angels, Stearns remains focused on strengthening the bullpen while carefully considering the paths for top prospects to step into the major league spotlight. With injury recoveries progressing, the team is strategizing for a successful second half of the season. For more insights, check out the latest updates on Mets players and their performance trends.