The New York Mets‘ ailing bullpen may be getting some much-needed reinforcements.
The Mets had Triple-A ace Brandon Sproat throw out of the bullpen in the finale of Syracuse’s series against Indianapolis in what could be considered a sign of their future plans with Sproat.
The Mets bullpen ranks 15th in the majors in ERA (3.97) but is tied for third in the majors in losses (30) with the Minnesota Twins. They are also tied for sixth in innings pitched (499.0) with the Miami Marlins, a function of New York’s dreadfully inefficient starting staff.
Why Did Brandon Sproat Pitch Out Of Relief?
Sproat will turn 25 on Sept. 17 and is New York’s No. 5 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline. He is bursting to get the call from Triple-A to the majors.
Sproat is 7-6 with a 4.24 ERA in 24 starts this season in Triple-A and was scheduled to take the ball as the starter Sunday for Syracuse. Yet, he was scratched in favor of Austin Warren, so the Mets could ingratiate Sproat with pitching out of the bullpen.
“Part of the plan, part of the development,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said, according to SNY. “Our Triple-A staff, they do a really good job preparing these guys in case thereâs a need here and before you know it we need him to pitch out of the bullpen here. Itâs kind of like in preparation for anything that can happen here. Itâs another step for them in their development, and thatâs why weâre doing it.”
Unfortunately for Sproat, who was making just his third relief appearance in two years of pro ball since the Mets drafted him in the second round in 2024, he struggled mightily.
Despite throwing 50 of his 75 pitches for strikes, Sproat allowed seven runs, five earned, and seven hits, while walking two and striking out just four in 3 2/3 innings.
Maybe Sproat was due to have an outing like that, since he had been on a tear over the past two months. He had gone 4-1 with a 2.05 ERA in nine games, had a 57-17 strikeout-to-walk rate and allowed just a .461 OPS and one home run in 48 1/3 innings.
“Whenever I’m thinking about results, I get in trouble, because I can’t control those,” Sproat told Michael Tricarico of the Syracuse Mets website.
Sproat is expected to be called up when the rosters expand next week and could pitch out of relief. He envisioned what may happen, and who he might tell, when he gets the call.
“Probably will end up crying, to be honest with you,” Sproat said. “Definitely call my mom, my dad, my girlfriend, whenever that time comes.”
What Mets Pitchers Will Get Called Up When Rosters Expand?
Sproat’s bullpen transition timing is ironic, especially after the news that starter Frankie Montas may need Tommy John surgery.
But Sproat’s arsenal of pitches, especially his high-90s fastball and 60-grade changeup, translate better to the bullpen. Plus, the Mets could add No. 4 prospect, 22-year-old fledgling star Jonah Tong, who was dominant again Saturday against Indianapolis.
The trio of Tong, Sproat and Nolan McLean — who already is 2-0 in the majors — could invigorate the Mets. New York is 7-17 in its past 24 games since July 28 but is still clinging to the final National League wild-card spot, 1.5 games ahead of the Cincinnati Reds.
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