With the rise of analytics throughout the MLB, every team is looking for cutting-edge ways to gain an advantage over their competitors. While some teams, such as the Astros, have gone to unethical extremes, other teams, like the Mets, are using technology in productive and innovative ways.

A report by Tim Healey of Newsday details how pitching coach Jeremy Hefner has implemented motion capture technology. Healey writes about how Edwin Diaz, and a half-dozen other Mets’ pitchers, threw shirtless bullpen sessions yesterday with motion capture sensors attached to them.

“There’s some things, just from a coaching perspective, where your eyes will tell you a lot,” Hefner said. “But then there’s other things that can help, whether it be TrackMan or a radar gun or — in this case — a motion-capture system that can help maximize potential.”

While nobody is sure how much this experiment will help the Mets, it’s good to see that they are thinking outside the box.

It’s worth noting that two of the main pitchers the Mets are using for motion capture – Diaz and Noah Syndergaard – are players who underperformed in 2020. Diaz crumbled after a dominant 2019 season with the Mariners, posting a 5.59 ERA and blowing many key games.

“It’s good because you can see your mechanics,” Diaz said. “That’s what I’m looking for. Last year I had a problem with my mechanics, so I’m doing that to see how it’s going.

Diaz was scheduled to pitch in the Mets’ game on Sunday, but the team wanted him to participate in the motion capture session. Could this technology help the Mets identify whatever was wrong with Diaz in 2019? It’s clear that his talent is still there, as he still struck out 15.4 batters per nine innings despite his overall struggles.

And while Syndergaard still finished with a 4.4 WAR in 2019, his 4.28 ERA was disappointing. Given his elite talent and velocity, Syndergaard could be an adjustment or two away from being one of the game’s best starters, like he was in 2016 when he posted a 2.60 ERA and lead the league with a 2.29 FIP.

It’s also noteworthy to learn about Hefner’s impact on the team. While it’s only his first year as a pitching coach, his influence and new ideas could become one of the season’s more intriguing storylines.