New York Mets GM David Stearns is still in the process of retooling the bullpen, and more moves are undoubtedly coming. Stearns still has a lot of moves to make, but don’t assume the Met bullpen will consist exclusively of free-agent signings and trade acquisitions.
The Mets have a slew of pitching prospects in the pipeline, and these are the ones with the best chance of appearing at Citi Field next year to add power and variety with what could be a strong pen.
Dylan Ross. Ross isn’t a lock to make the big, but he’s the one most likely to turn up at Citi Field at some point. He flew up through the Mets minor league system, according to Jorge Eckardt of MetsMerized Online, and while pitchers who make that kind of jump sometimes need a brief reset, Ross has one thing the Mets need—his power arm.
Ross has hit three-digits on the radar gun, which is something Mets fans definitely won’t be seeing from new closer Devin Williams. He also features a complete three-pitch arsenal, and he could eventually be in line to take Williams job if he can lower his walk rate, which was an unsustainably high 14.7 percent. The Mets are hoping he’ll make the Opening Day roster and stick, and if he can throw strikes he could be a big part of the remade bullpen.
Ryan Lambert. Lambert is another prospect who could make the big-league roster, although it would be unusual to see the Mets relying on two rookies in major roles. His performance profile mirrors that of Ross to some extent—Lambert’s 39.5 strikeout rate for the season trailed only that of starter Jonah Tong across Mets minor leaguers with 50+ innings, according to Eckhardt, but he, too, had a high walk rate of 13.2 percent.
His pitch arsenal isn’t as complete as Ross’s, though. Lambert profiles as a classic fastball/slider pitcher, so look for him to receive spot appearances in low-leverage situations initially. If his fastball plays and he can throw strikes, he could be moved up quickly to join Ross as a power arm in the pen.
Jonathan Pintaro. Pintaro is more of a wild card as a bullpen addition. He’s 28, which stretches the definition of a prospect, but he has a complete five-pitch arsenal that includes an effective cutter, a four-seam fastball, changeup, sinker and sweeper. He’ll get a long look in spring training, and Pintaro will also be a promotion candidate if he is sent back to Triple A Syracuse.