The New York Mets' offseason is not done yet, but there's a chance they don't land the bullpen arms they desire in free agency. If that's the case, will the team explore their in-house options? Rumors indicate some more pitching prospects could help the defending National League champs.
In 2015 it was rookies Noah Syndergaard, Steven Matz, Sean Gilmartin, Logan Verrett and Hansel Robles that helped the Mets' pitching staff. Those youngsters will again play a big role in 2016, but the team is also losing a few veterans that contributed last season and in seasons past, so they're currently exploring the market to see what options they have.
Rumors from earlier in the week found the Mets were interested in left-hander Antonio Bastardo, which means they're clearly looking to upgrade the bullpen, but the veteran is seeking a three-year deal in the $18 million range and it was said New York will not offer up such a contract.
As a result, it appears as if some prospects could help bolster the 'pen if the Mets exhaust all of their options.
"In truth, aside from Matz, no Mets prospect figures to play a significant role with the team next season," writes Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. "But keep an eye on three Minor League pitchers: No. 13 prospect Akeel Morris, No. 16 Robert Gsellman and No. 26 Seth Lugo. All have a chance to give the Mets innings this season, all are already on the 40-man roster, and all are coming off solid 2015 seasons. Whoever proves a cut above the rest could have first dibs at any bullpen openings."
Morris, 23, made his MLB debut in 2015 after a tremendous run with High Class A St. Lucie and Double-A Binghamton. The right-hander maintained a 2.05 ERA and 0.93 WHIP with 81 strikeouts in 47 games (61 1/3 innings). He got tattooed in his only appearance with the Mets in 2015 (2/3 IP, 5 ER), but the reliever figures to be part of the future bullpen. If he excels in the early going in 2016, he could get the call to the MLB roster.
Gsellman, 22, is a starter, but the Mets don't have room for any more of those unless some injuries were to occur. The right-hander went 13-7 with a 2.89 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 86 strikeouts in 24 starts (143 1/3 innings) between St. Lucie and Binghamton last year. He has yet to make his MLB debut, but if the Mets are in need of a spot starter or long middle reliever at any point, Gsellman could be that guy.
And finally, Lugo, 26, another right-handed starter, reached Triple-A Las Vegas in 2015 and is inching closer toward his MLB debut. He went 8-7 with a 3.84 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 127 strikeouts in 24 starts (136 innings) between Binghamton and Las Vegas in 2015. Lugo has overcome a lot in his young career (34th round pick from a D-III school, recovery from a major back injury) and he has still managed to excel through the organization's farm system. Last year former Mets executive Paul DePodesta, who left for the Cleveland Browns this week, said the right-hander "certainly has major league potential."
We'll see what the team decides to do. It's clear they're not willing to add a considerable amount (or even less than that) to their payroll, so Mets fans might see another wave of rookies hit the MLB in 2016.
