A Deeper Dive Into The Newest Mets’ Pitchers

The off-season and free agency is officially underway. Free agency, specifically, is off to a very slow start. Though, the New York Mets have already made a few perceived depth pitching moves. These include the additions of the following individuals: Tayler Saucedo, Stephen Ridings, Elieser Hernandez, Jeff Brigham, and William Woods. Each were added to the team’s 40-man roster. So, what can fans expect from each of these guys this upcoming season?

Tayler Saucedo

The first two new additions were each brought in via waiver claims. Saucedo, a left-handed reliever, only has 28 1/3 MLB innings under his belt. Of these, 2 2/3 innings came last year with Toronto where he allowed six hits and four runs. The bulk of his major-league work was during the 2021 season with the Blue Jays where he threw 25 2/3 innings allowing 22 hits and 13 earned runs good for a 4.56 ERA. His FIP of 3.60 was a much kinder number.

Saucedo’s minor-league numbers are terrific. In 2021, he posted an ERA of 1.96 across 18 1/3 innings for Triple-A Buffalo. In 2022, he posted a 2.37 ERA in 19 innings with Buffalo. His strikeout numbers were also terrific, as across these two Triple-A seasons (37 1/3 innings), he had 53 punchouts.

The sinker, slider pitcher is likely to compete for one of the left-handed reliever roles in camp. I’d expect, and the Mets must, make more external left-handed relievers additions during the off-season. Barring a spectacular camp or injuries, do not expect to see too much of Saucedo with the Mets next season.

Stephen Ridings

Ridings might be the most intriguing of the five pitchers brought in so far by New York. He was claimed off waiver from the Yankees on November 15. He showed great promise before being sent down and subsequently injuring his shoulder which ended his 2021 early.

The aforementioned shoulder injury forced Ridings to miss all but two minor-league innings in 2022. He appears to be fully healthy and will look to build on the immense success he had in 2021. During that season, Ridings posted a 0.47 ERA in 19 Double-A innings with 30 strikeouts. He then threw 10 innings in Triple-A posting a 2.70 ERA and striking out 12.

Ridings then got five innings at the MLB level. He allowed only one run and struck out seven. His FIP of 1.57 and subsequent 1.80 ERA both further demonstrated how impressive he was. Unfortunately, the shoulder injury occurred and he basically missed all of 2022.

The 27-year-old, flame-throwing right-handed pitcher will certainly be someone worth monitoring very closely in camp. If he can remain his pre-injury form, he has a real chance to make a strong impact with the Mets. Though, given the injury, nothing is for certian.

Elieser Hernández and Jeff Brigham

Both Hernandez and Brigham were brought over via trade with the Marlins. New York sent back Franklin Sánchez and impending cash or a player to be named later in the deal. Sánchez, a 22-year-old relief pitcher, had a 3.90 ERA with St. Lucie (Single-A) and a 3.18 ERA with Brooklyn (High-A). He also pitched 7 1/3 innings in the Fall League, allowing 11 hits and nine earned runs (11.05 ERA).

Meanwhile, Hernández was once a highly-regarded prospect for the Marlins, but never panned out. He was used primarily as a starting pitcher for a majority of his Marlins’ career. In total, he pitched 287 2/3 innings posting a subpar 5.04 ERA and 10-21 record. His best season was the 2020 COVID-effected season where he started six games and posted a 3.16 ERA as well as strong metrics (3.23 xERA and 3.54 xFIP).

Overall, his metrics also back up how subpar he has been over his MLB career. He owns a career 5.51 FIP and 4.96 xFIP, both very poor figures. Jeremy Hefner will have his work cut out for him. Surely, the Mets envision a type of Trevor Williams role for Hernández, that if he can figure it out and become a better pitcher aided by the change of scenery.

Brigham has bounced around between the minors and major leagues the past several seasons. The 30-year-old threw 24 innings in relief for the Marlins in 2022, the most he has thrown at the MLB level in one season. The whole body of work was pretty strong.

He posted a 3.38 ERA and struck out 28 batters. His underlying metrics also painted an encouraging picture: 3.94 xERA, 3.65 FIP, and 3.88 xFIP. Brigham also threw 43 Triple-A innings where he struck out a gaudy 69 hitters and allowed only 35 hits. His ERA was also slightly below 4.00.

Brigham should be regarded as a dark horse candidate to make the roster out of camp. He had sustained success last year as a strictly two-pitch pitcher (fastball and slider). Regardless, some relief pitching depth for next season.

William Woods

The 23-year-old Trenton, New Jersey native was a 40-man roster casualty by the Atlanta Braves. He only has two innings pitched in the MLB, coming last season. His minor-league work the past few seasons has also been lackluster. Below is his breakout of ERA by level:

• Single-A: 3.35 ERA in 51 innings pitched
• High-A: 4.66 ERA in 9 2/3 innings
• Double-A: 10.80 ERA in five innings pitched
• Triple-A: 5.19 ERA in 17 1/3 innings pitched

Woods clearly appears to a project of types, the biggest project of the pitchers the Mets have brought in. One the Mets hope they can solve. The two-pitcher (fastball and slider) reliever was ranked as the Braves’ 25th-best prospect. Look for him to get a look in Triple-A this season.