3 Mets pitching prospects who could earn a permanent bullpen job in 2024

2) Trey McLoughlin

Another later-round pick, in the 16th round this time, the Mets took Trey McLoughlin. He struggled in 2021 and was better in 2022. It was in 2023 when McLoughlin took off flying and made himself a realistic possibility for some relief innings for the Mets in the near future.

McLoughlin made it only as far as Binghamton in 2023 so he is a bit behind Lavender. The season included a combined 51.2 innings with the Rumble Ponies and down in Brooklyn. The totals came out to a 2.79 ERA. He struck out batters at a rate of 11.1 per 9. Walks happened at a rate of 2.8 per 9 which is excellent to see.

McLoughlin is a righty so he’ll be in a battle with far more pitchers than Lavender for a spot on the roster. No matter. Many of those players brought in by David Stearns in the offseason are placeholders. McLoughlin turns 25 in June and should be a piece the Mets look to have for several years, not just one season.

Of course, McLoughlin needs to prove himself at the upper minor league levels. It may take a few extra injuries for him to get a major league promotion in 2024. Although a contender, McLoughlin might still be a little behind a promotion for this third option.