5 players the NY Mets are glad they gave another chance to

3) Huascar Brazoban

Huascar Brazoban is a late-bloomer. He didn't make his debut until his age-32 season in 2022 with the Miami Marlins after bouncing around between the minor leagues, foreign leagues, and the independent circuit. The Mets acquired Brazoban at the 2024 trade deadline. Brazoban had some solid numbers at the time, including a 2.93 ERA, 27.2% K%, and 8.8% walk rate, with just a 0.29 HR/9. Brazoban excelled in limiting hard contact with an elite 81.9 MPH exit velo and 3.8% barrel percentage.

However, Brazoban's numbers took a sharp dip after the Mets acquired him. It was only 21 innings, but his ERA shot up to 5.14. His K% dipped by nearly 10% to 18.5%. Walks became a huge issue for Brazoban, with his BB% rising to 15.2%. Additionally, his ability to induce soft contact and limit home runs stayed elite, with a 0.43 HR/9, 82.9 MPH exit velo, and 5% barrel percentage.

Despite his struggles with the Mets, they decided to keep him around for now. Brazoban only allowed two earned runs with 14 strikeouts in only 10.2 innings of work throughout spring training. He has minor league options remaining, but this performance earned him one of the last bullpen spots out of spring.

Choosing to stick with Brazoban and give him another shot to open 2025 has paid off for the Mets. He's pitched 7.1 scoreless innings out of the pen, striking out six opponents. Brazoban has only handed out one walk. He is one of four Mets relievers who have tossed at least three innings and not allowed an earned run to open 2025.