The contenders for the Mets' 3 open bullpen spots

3) Open NY Mets bullpen spot: Relief pitcher without minor league options

Finally, there’s another spot in the bullpen that could actually end up in the hands of someone else from the previous category. The team has two relievers without options fighting for a roster spot. It doesn’t make sense for the Mets to keep them both.

Rule 5 Draft pick Zach Greene and out of options reliever Stephen Nogosek are in a battle against the rest of the relievers and each other. The Mets will either have to keep Greene on the 26-man roster all year or return him to the New York Yankees. Nogosek, on the other hand, would have to pass through waivers in order to stay with the team. I would guess some relief pitcher-needy club would take a shot at him.

If all things are equal, Greene is the guy to choose. Ride him out as long as you can. If he struggles, so be it. Don’t be sad because it’s over. Be happy because it happened.

Nogosek showed some promising signs last year in the majors. It would be nice to have a chance to stash him on the farm. With Greene, the Mets lose him immediately. At least there is a chance the club is able to retain Nogosek or at least re-acquire him later in the year when he is placed on waivers again.

This battle will be determined by performance. And if neither Greene nor Nogosek is impressive enough, one of the optional relievers should win.