3 Mets players whose 2024 season expectations changed for the better after spring training

3) Jose Butto

For a couple of years now, Jose Butto has floundered around as a Mets pitching prospect ranked around 10-15. He never put up any dazzling numbers in the minor leagues. An eventual move to the bullpen seemed (and still might) the likeliest way for him to ever receive regular playing time for a team always interested in contending; at least under the current ownership.

Butto, in the race for a rotation spot, couldn’t have done much better. He surrendered a single earned run in his 10 innings. A 1.10 WHIP and .237 batting average against failed to match what Megill did, but the positive vibes are there with him.

The Mets probably never had Butto in mind to begin the year in the rotation with Megill and the even more MLB-experienced Joey Lucchesi available. However, after this spring, Butto is almost right there with Megill and probably ahead of Lucchesi. When David Peterson and Max Kranick are back from the IL, it’ll be interesting to see how things shake out with the starting pitching depth chart.

Butto had a strong regular season last year too, aiding in his rise up the depth chart heading into the 2024 season. He’ll begin the year in Triple-A and we can expect to see him in April when the Mets face a challenging 13 straight days without an off-day.