Struggling Mets demote Frankie Montas to relief pitching role; speculation mounts regarding potential call-ups for top prospects.
New York Mets Eye Top Prospects for Rotation Spot
The New York Mets are set to make changes in their rotation, with Frankie Montas moving to the bullpen and a vacancy opening up for a starting pitcher. The potential candidates for this spot are top pitching prospects Nolan McLean and Brandon Sproat, currently pitching at Triple-A Syracuse.
Nolan McLean is the Mets' third-ranked prospect and has posted a commendable 2.78 ERA over 16 games (13 starts) at Triple-A. He recently made a strong Major League debut with 5.1 scoreless innings and 8 strikeouts. McLean is slightly ahead on the internal depth chart and is expected to be considered for the rotation spot.
Brandon Sproat, the Mets' fifth-ranked prospect, has been effective recently, going 4-0 with a 1.15 ERA over his last seven starts at Triple-A Syracuse. He is expected to make his next Triple-A start soon and could be called up for a spot start during a demanding schedule stretch for the Mets.
Another realistic candidate mentioned was Paul Blackburn, but he is currently on the injured list with a right shoulder impingement and will not be joining the rotation on Saturday.
The Mets appear ready to promote either McLean or Sproat for the rotation spot, with McLean slightly favored but Sproat gaining consideration due to his recent hot streak at Triple-A. It's worth noting that neither McLean nor Sproat are currently on the 40-man roster.
Nolan McLean was drafted in the third round in 2023 and has a 2.78 ERA and a 2.55 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 16 Triple-A appearances this season. His top swing-and-miss offering this season is a curveball with a near-50% whiff rate. If selected for the rotation, McLean would be working on an extra day of rest come Saturday.
Brandon Sproat, a former second-round draft pick, has a 4.10 ERA and 1.91 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 101 innings at the Triple-A level this season. He is scheduled to pitch on Wednesday based on his past schedule.
The Mets have used 14 starting pitchers over their last 53 games, and only one of their starters, David Peterson, has completed six or more innings in a game during this stretch. With Montas' contributions below replacement level, according to Baseball Reference, the Mets could always shuffle their rotation as needed.
Veteran Frankie Montas signed a one-year deal with a player option for the 2026 season. Despite struggling since returning from a strained lat, with a 6.38 ERA and a 2.67 strikeout-to-walk ratio, he will now focus on his role in the bullpen.
Brandon Waddell and Dom Hamel, both already on the 40-player roster, have been optioned recently and can only return to replace an injured player. The New York Mets are making these changes to their rotation as they continue their pursuit of a playoff spot.
- The New York Mets are eyeing Nolan McLean and Brandon Sproat, their top prospects, for a vacancy in the rotation after Frankie Montas moved to the bullpen.
- Nolan McLean, the Mets' third-ranked prospect, has a 2.78 ERA this season, with a strong performance also in his Major League debut, which places him slightly ahead in the internal depth chart for the rotation spot.
- Brandon Sproat, the Mets' fifth-ranked prospect, is expected to make his next Triple-A start soon and could be called up for a spot start during a demanding schedule stretch for the Mets, due to his recent hot streak at Triple-A.
- After reviewing the potential candidates, the Mets appear ready to promote either McLean or Sproat for the rotation spot, with McLean slightly favored but Sproat gaining consideration due to his impressive performance in Triple-A games.
