The New York Mets have found themselves in need of reliable pitchers that can contribute solid innings from the rotation.
It has been a rough year for their starters, between injuries, suspensions, and other circumstances.
However, here they are with a positive record and just 4.5 games behind the Atlanta Braves in the NL East.
Still, things could be much, much better later in the season.
Not only are they expected to eventually get Jose Quintana back from his injury, but they have an impressive minor leaguer showing the best of his talent at Double-A.
“Mike Vasil, an 8th-round pick by the Mets in 2021, has been impressive this season for Double-A Binghamton. Scouts say they would not be surprised if he makes his Major League debut later this season,” SNY Mets tweeted.
Mike Vasil, an 8th-round pick by the Mets in 2021, has been impressive this season for Double-A Binghamton.
Scouts say they would not be surprised if he makes his Major League debut later this season: https://t.co/GjYxAoyck9 pic.twitter.com/iQqs2gwWOJ
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) May 23, 2023
It’s not that often that pitchers taken in the eighth round become legitimate prospects, but the Mets appear to have struck gold with Vasil.
He actually dominated Low-A last year with a 2.19 ERA in 37 innings before a promotion to High-A.
He struggled there (5.13 ERA in 33.1 frames), but showed positive signs such as his 44 strikeouts.
The Mets decided to have him start at Double-A this year, and he has been better than everybody imagined.
He is a right-hander that throws from a high-three-quarters arm slot with a simple, clean delivery.
Command and control are both plus, and he has a good fastball that sits in the low-to-mid 90s.
Vasil also throws a slider, curveball, and changeup, all considered average or better.
He is still 23, and has a chance to see the majors this year if he keeps this up.
NEXT: The Mets Wish Their Skipper A Happy Birthday
