It’s been my opinion that the Mets made a big mistake by having their final three bullpen spots be (essentially) a competition among relievers with options remaining. My preference would have been to have more stability among the back end of the pen with pitchers who have successfully performed in the majors. But that ship has sailed. And then came the Edwin Diaz injury, making it four spots that will be filled with the options-remaining relievers.
Reading the tea leaves, it seems like John Curtiss and Tommy Hunter will fill two of the four spots. But who will take the other two spots? There are a bunch of candidates. Here they are, listed in descending order by how many innings they’ve thrown in Grapefruit League play:
Tylor Megill – Fan favorite who may be ticketed to Syracuse to remain stretched out as SP.
Elieser Hernandez – Finally had a scoreless appearance Thursday.
T.J. McFarland – May have an edge being a LHP.
Jeff Brigham – Has been solid this Spring.
William Woods – Has not walked a batter in 7 IP.
Jimmy Yacabonis – Has had strong results with a 2.57 ERA.
Denyi Reyes – Rarely mentioned as an option, has had a solid Spring.
Zach Muckenhirn – Another lefty, he has 7 Ks in 5 IP without allowing a run.
Stephen Nogosek – Might have an inside track with his performance with the Mets last year.
For this poll, please pick two – and only two – players that you think will make the Opening Day roster. If you disagree with either Curtis or Hunter making the roster, please only vote for two in the poll and then leave a comment on who else you think should make it, along with which guy won’t.
Which two relievers will make the Opening Day roster?
- Stephen Nogosek (39%, 17 Votes)
- Tylor Megill (20%, 9 Votes)
- T.J. McFarland (14%, 6 Votes)
- Zach Muckenhirn (11%, 5 Votes)
- Jeff Brigham (9%, 4 Votes)
- Elieser Hernandez (2%, 1 Votes)
- William Woods (2%, 1 Votes)
- Jimmy Yacabonis (2%, 1 Votes)
- Denyi Reyes (0%, 0 Votes)
Total Voters: 22
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Nogosek has no options left. He’s making the team.
Nogosek, because he hasn’t an option left. He had a good, but good somewhat minimal, season last year. If the Mets cut him they will lose him. He is good enough for a second tier reliever and that is the position that’s being filled . Yacabonis did have a good spring what his major league career indicates he’s not a good relief pitcher. Muckenhirn , a lefty, had a good spring so far. His minor league career is average but steady and improving. He will get a chance this year as the season progresses.
The second spot should be filled with a long reliever/spot starter to replace Trevor Williams. That will be tough shoes to fill. Williams appeared in 30 games with nine starts. Megill would be a good choice. He would be more valuable in New York than in Syracuse.
I guess the Mets and the other teams’ attendees didn’t like what they saw from Zack Britton last week…with Diaz down and that salary reimbursed, a veteran lefty (with something left) that didn’t cost any prospect capital would sure make sense now.
Is Mike Moore still unsigned? How about Will Smith?
Matt Moore signed with the Angels while Will Smith is now a Ranger. But the Mets have shown little interest in signing a veteran reliever.
Dennis Santana has a good chance but wasn’t in the poll. Megill is still my choice.
Wow,wasn’t Santana a DFA? Makes you worry a little.