September’s almost here. Can you even believe it?! As we inch closer to the end of the season, you know we had to take a look at potential call-ups. Here’s who we think the Mets’ two September call-ups should be.
Brandon Sproat. Photo by Bronson Harris of Binghamton Rumble Ponies
Alex Young and Luisangel Acuña
Adding the left-handed Young would balance a bullpen that right now only has Danny Young from that side. Acuña (91 steals in two minor league seasons) could be useful pinch-running late in games when a crucial run is needed.
Luisangel Acuña and Tyler Zuber
Almost a year after they traded for him, the Mets should see what their future could look like in Acuña. He’s got speed and could provide a little spark with his bat. I think Zuber will be the arm they’ll call up due to the team maybe wanting to see one of their arms they acquired at the deadline.
Luisangel Acuña and Alex Young
Luisangel Acuña is an obvious choice in this situation. The Mets have a strong bench at the big league level, but it is missing one thing. Elite speed. Acuña has 34 stolen bases in Syracuse. That plus his ability to play multiple positions in the field makes this a no-brainer in my mind.
The other spot is difficult to call. For now, Alex Young would be my pick. If the Mets can pick up a quality reliever on waivers, someone like Taylor Rogers, my answer may be different. But for now, Young should get the call. In seven appearances for the Mets, he has a 1.29 ERA. If it weren’t for guys returning, he would have never been optioned. Having another lefty in the bullpen would be a wise decision as the Mets get ready for this stretch run.
Luke Ritter and Brandon Sproat
The Mets need power, and Luke Ritter has displayed the most of that among the options. Brandon Sproat – show me something out of the pen. He can be an MLB starter out of camp next year. Let him get a little taste of September baseball this year.
Luke Ritter and Tyler Zuber or Shintaro Fujinami
I know lots of people are asking for Acuña, but I believe he makes more sense if rosters were bigger than 28 for September. He obviously brings speed and defensive versatility but he’s also pretty clearly not ready as a hitter. For me, Luke Ritter would bring more to the Mets right now. all he’s done is hit over the last couple of years and would give the Mets power of the bench. He’s not great at any position defensively, though he has played SS, 2B, 3B, 1B and LF. For the arm, I’m caught between Tyler Zuber and Shintaro Fujinami. Zuber is on the 40-man roster and has interesting pitch characteristics that likely play well at the major league level. Fujinami is no longer on the 40-man roster after getting DFA’d earlier this summer. He’s been good in August (1.80 ERA/.061 AVG), including throwing more strikes (63%). He is the higher-upside type arm the Mets are desperately looking for right now. There’s a chance he continues to not work out, but he definitely has the stuff/upside the Mets bullpen needs.
Brandon Sproat and Luke Ritter
Sproat has been electric for the Mets this season, and while he won’t be ready for the rotation this year, the Mets sure could use help in the bullpen. David Stearns has called up top pitching prospects in September in similar spots and could repeat history with Sproat.
On the other side of the ball, I’d give the call to Ritter. The utility man is 27 years old and all he does in Triple-A is rake. Give him a shot to prove himself in the majors and give the Mets more thump. Acuña is the sexier pick, but the top prospect has struggled heavily in a league that is known for pummeling the baseball.
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