3 Mets roster experiments to try after the trade deadline

3) The Mets should call up Jose Butto and test him as a high-leverage situation reliever

Within the tests that the Mets must carry out this season to determine their needs for next year, the bullpen emerges as one of the most complicated areas. All season long, Mets relievers not named David Robertson or Brooks Raley have been unable to put up consistent game-winning performances.

With the possible departure of Robertson for the trade deadline, the Mets must be more creative in the use of their bullpen to test the arms they have for 2024. In this sense, Jose Butto emerges as an interesting option within the organization's farm system.

The No. 15 prospect in the Mets organization has seen action in MLB but hasn't been able to translate his success in the minors to the big team. This may be because he has been tested as a starter which, due to his arsenal and stamina, is perhaps not the best decision.

Butto is a pitcher who owns four pitches, and only two of them are consistently good. His change-up is the best among the pitchers in the Mets' farm system, and his fastball averages 92-95 mph and can reach 97 mph.

The limited arsenal of efficient pitches limits his potential as a starter. Additionally, his fastball begins to lose speed and location as his performance progresses in each game losing stamina and control.

However, the combination of his fastball being used less each game along with his excellent change-up can be a lethal weapon in the bullpen, especially as a multi-inning and high-leverage situation reliever. This would give the Mets a taste of whether the combined potential of this arsenal of their prospect is enough to succeed in MLB and be a viable option for 2024.