3 returning pitchers that could battle for a bullpen spot in spring training

3) NY Mets bullpen candidate: Yoan Lopez

We saw quite a bit of Yoan Lopez last year on the Mets roster. For maybe a blink of an eye, he seemed to be someone the Mets might be able to rely on. The club was reminded as to why he was available. Lopez would go on to post only a 5.73 ERA in his 11 innings spanning 8 games.

Mets fans began to like Lopez when he threw at Kyle Schwarber following a plunking of teammate Francisco Lindor. We didn’t see a whole lot of him. When he was on the mound, it was usually not the guy we wanted.

Lopez will pitch next season at age 30 which makes him the oldest of the pitchers on this list. He also has the most experience. Plus, as you’ve been warned, there is a minor league option remaining on him.

Lopez is someone the Mets would probably like to keep around for depth purposes. He could end up as a DFA candidate as they add more pieces to the roster. Because Montes de Oca and Nogosek are younger, there is a potential to give the team a couple of solid seasons. Lopez might get another year with the team unless he exceeds expectations in a big way. He’s also very much on the bubble as someone who could be easily replaced by another waiver claim. Good thing he has that minor league option left in him.