Anthony DiComo of MLB.com recently wrote that of all the top prospects in camp including Noah Syndergaard, Steven Matz, and Kevin Plawecki, right-hander Rafael Montero is the only one with big league experience and the best bet to make New York’s Opening Day roster.
Though the Mets’ rotation is currently full, he says, the bullpen has a couple of spots up for grabs.
“Montero is a leading candidate to snag one of them, perhaps even for the long haul; many scouts still believe he is destined to become a full-time reliever, despite his success as a starting pitcher over the past few seasons.”
You know, two months ago I would have told you that the bullpen was pretty much set. But now I’m not so sure anymore given DiComo’s opinion on Montero, the still ongoing Dillon Gee situation, picking up Sean Gilmartin in Rule 5, etc.
Putting Bobby Parnell on the back-burner for now, at this point we can count on Jenrry Mejia, Jeurys Familia, Carlos Torres, Josh Edgin and Vic Black as all having secured sports in the pen. That leaves two more vacancies.
Assuming Gee is still on the roster, one of those two spots goes to him, no questions asked. Then it comes down to whether you want a second lefty or if you think Montero can be more valuable than a one at-bat specialist.
This will all get sorted out over the next six weeks, but it’s now clear that the bullpen will be a main focal point this spring.
