3 NY Mets player role changes, suggestions for September to keep them best-prepared

The Mets need to test Tylor Megill in more than a traditional starter’s role

Tylor Megill will be back from the IL soon. Certainly a candidate to head down to Triple-A to continue to pitch as a starter, the other option is for the Mets to begin a transition to have him work in relief. Nothing needs to be permanent. Although, based on how this season seemed to repeat the same story with him, they might want to keep him in this role for good.

The fact that his brother has successfully transitioned into being a dominant closer is a false suggestion to say Tylor could, too. It’s like signing Brent Gretzky to a 10-year contract because of his last name. Still, the Mets’ Megill has shown signs of having limitations as a starter with some nasty stuff. His electric 11.7 K/9 rate before hitting the IL would have had him tied with Zack Wheeler for the league lead if Megill had enough innings. In the postseason when all bets are off when it comes to pitching roles, the Mets serve themselves better by getting Megill ready for a potential multi-inning relief threat. They don't stand a chance in October if they're relying on him to start games.

The Mets have yet to commit to the reduced role for Megill full-time. He has only ever dabbled in a relief role. Understandably, it's hard to find good starting pitchers. The 2025 Mets are learning this the hard way.

Considering the state of the rest of their rotation, trying Megill out as an opener of some kind is another possibility. His first inning has been peculiar this season with a 5.14 ERA but only a .638 OPS against him. It’s batters who see him for a second time through the order who’ve done the most damage. A .609 OPS versus a .731, Megill is probably best used for one trip through a lineup. Ask him for 3 innings, Manaea for another 3, and hope the actual relievers can finish it off? It's not ideal, but neither is what they'v