With Frankie Montas now relegated to the bullpen following a string of disappointing outings, the New York Mets find themselves at a pivotal moment, poised to unveil one of their top pitching prospects. Manager Carlos Mendoza has hinted that Nolan McLean and Brandon Sproat are the leading candidates to fill this crucial role, especially as the team grapples with recent pitching struggles.
Montas’s demotion follows a lackluster performance where he allowed three runs over just three innings against Milwaukee, culminating in a disappointing 6.38 ERA for the season. Having entered the organization with high hopes on a two-year, $34 million contract, Montas’s struggles have forced the Mets to reassess their starting rotation. Mendoza has stated that Montas will serve as a long reliever for now, but the fluid nature of bullpen roles means he could find himself in high-leverage situations if necessary.
The Mets’ current need for reliable starting pitching is critical, as they have struggled to find longevity from their starters. Notably, only David Peterson has pitched six innings or more in recent weeks, leaving the bullpen overworked and underprepared. Mendoza acknowledges that the key to improving this situation lies in attacking hitters early and avoiding deep counts. “If you get ahead 0-2 and before you know it it’s 3-2, those long at-bats can really put a strain on your pitch count,” he explained, noting that the team has faced this issue for over a month.
Among the candidates, McLean stands out. At just 24 years old, he has been impressive in Triple-A Syracuse, boasting a 2.78 ERA over 16 appearances, with a striking 97 strikeouts in 87 ¹/₃ innings. His recent performance and five days of rest position him well for a possible major league debut. In contrast, Sproat, 25, has also shown promise but started the season slowly, currently holding a 4.10 ERA over 22 starts. Mendoza’s emphasis on their development reflects a clear faith in their abilities, even as both pitchers face the challenge of stepping into a high-stakes environment.
The Mets also recently promoted Jonah Tong, a promising 22-year-old right-hander, to Syracuse, following his stellar showing at Double-A Binghamton with a 1.59 ERA over 20 starts. However, the organization does not anticipate him making his major league debut this season, indicating a careful approach to player development.
As the Mets navigate this transitional period, the decision on who will take the mound on Saturday looms large. Both McLean and Sproat have the potential to make a significant impact, not just in this game, but for the remainder of the season. Mendoza’s approach, emphasizing honest communication with his pitchers and a commitment to their growth, will be crucial as the team seeks to stabilize its rotation and make a push in the standings.
The coming days will reveal whether the Mets’ faith in their young arms pays off, or if they will continue to face the challenges that have plagued their pitching staff for much of the season. For fans and analysts alike, the spotlight will be on the mound as the Mets look to turn the tide in their favor.
