On the same day that Japanese phenom Yoshinobu Yamamoto was posted for eligibility to sign with Major League teams, the Mets began the process of rebuilding their pitching staff more subtly.
The Mets announced on Monday they signed right-handed pitcher Cole Sulser to a minor league contract with an invitation to Spring Training.
Originally drafted by Cleveland in the 25th round of the 2013 MLB June Amateur Draft from Dartmouth College, Sulser pitched effectively for Baltimore during the 2021 season (5-4 record, 2.70 ERA, 63.1 innings pitched, 23 BB, 73 SO).
The Mets have signed right-hander Cole Sulser to a minor league deal.
— Mike Mayer (@mikemayer22) November 20, 2023
The 33-year-old has struggled over the past two seasons, but had a 2.70 ERA in 60 games for the Orioles in 2021.
Fastball, slider and changeup, with him using change about 40%.
pic.twitter.com/FPECqXDgs9
But the Hanover, NH native significantly regressed the last two seasons. In 2022, Sulser posted a 5.29 ERA for Miami in 34 innings. In 2023, Sulser had a 6.75 ERA in only 5.1 innings for Arizona.
Sulser is the type of acquisition that David Stearns made while running Milwaukee – bringing in formerly successful players whose careers veered off the road at cheap prices. The Mets hope this recipe can work for them, too. Yamamoto the exception, of course.
