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Mets add four prospects to 40-man roster

By Emmanuel Pepis

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 25: The sun sets behind Citi Field during game one of a double header between the the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets at Citi Field on September 25, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 25: The sun sets behind Citi Field during game one of a double header between the the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets at Citi Field on September 25, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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Luis Guillorme and three pitchers were added to the 40-man roster to protect them from the Rule V Draft

The New York Mets added four players to the 40-man roster to protect them from the Rule V draft. The Mets announced that infielder, Luis Guillorme was added along with pitchers, Corey Oswalt, Gerson Bautista, and Tyler Bashlor.

There aren’t any big surprises with any of these four. Guillorme headlines the bunch as the Mets’ highest rated prospect (#11) according to MLBPipeline. He participated in the Arizona Fall League and was named an all-star. Guillorme has been praised for his plus defensive ability and has hit consistently in his professional career.

Guillorme is slashing .285/.361/.328 in 474 minor league games. In the AFL, Guillorme posted a slash line of .289/.333/.356. The recently turned 23-year old was a 10th round pick of the Mets in the 2013 draft and he spent 2017 with Binghamton.

Perhaps one of the biggest stories in the Mets’ farm system outside of Amed Rosario and Dominic Smith’s promotion was Corey Oswalt’s season. Oswalt first became Rule V eligible last year and was not protected. In 2017, Oswalt put everything together and had a fantastic year with Binghamton.

The bulky 24-year old and former 7th round pick (2012) went 12-5 with a 2.28 ERA in 24 starts. He allowed 118 hits in 134.1 innings and posted 119 strikeouts to 40 walks. Oswalt was named Eastern League Pitcher of the Year for his efforts as he continues his climb toward the majors.

Bautista was one of the easier calls for the Mets to protect. He was part of the Addison Reed deal and a change of scenery did him well out of the gate. Bautista was tough to solve once he settled in with St. Lucie after the trade.

In 10 appearances, Bautista registered five saves and allowed just two earned runs (three total) in 14.1 innings. He also cut down on his walks significantly, which was an issue when he was with the Red Sox. Bautista walked three batters (1.9 BB/9) after the trade. When he was in Salem to start the year, he issued 28 walks in 45.1 innings, which translates to 5.6 BB/9.

Bashlor had to endure a major setback. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2014 and did not pitch again until 2016. When he did return to the mound, Bashlor was a strikeout machine. He recorded 73 strikeouts in 55.2 innings in ’16. Last season, Bashlor struck out 84 batters in 49.2 innings.

Walks have been an issue throughout Bashlor’s career, but he has exhibited swing-and-miss stuff throughout his career to date. He has the potential to be a future arm in the back end of the bullpen. Last year, Bashlor saved 13 games in 17 opportunities between St. Lucie and Binghamton.

Next: Mets reportedly asking about Ian Kinsler

There are a couple of notable names who were left off. Adonis Uceta is a starter-turned-reliever who advanced from Columbia to Binghamton. Uceta registered 14 saves and pitched to a 1.51 ERA with a 0.91 WHIP in 59.2 innings. Mickey Jannis became a knuckleballer a couple of years ago and has turned his career around. He pitched to a 2.33 ERA in six AFL starts.

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