Mets can glance at Ryan Tepera but don’t stare too long

Recently designated for assignment, Ryan Tepera will be leaving the Los Angeles Angels soon with a 7.27 ERA in 8.2 innings of work. A $7 million price tag on him for 2023 makes him an easy player to pass over on the waiver wire. More realistically, he’ll end up as a free agent where a team like the New York Mets can get their chance.

The troubles with Tepera are obvious. A bad year in Orange County this year is the whole reason why he is available. However, prior to this season, Tepera was a rather successful reliever. He’s the owner of a 3.59 ERA in parts of nine big league seasons.

Don’t stare too long into the Tepera sun, Billy Eppler. He’s worth a look but don’t go blind.

Where the NY Mets could find an opening for Ryan Tepera

The three relievers on the roster bubble right now are Tommy Hunter, Stephen Nogosek, and Dominic Leone. Hunter and Nogosek have pretty much traded off mop-up duties. They’re a bit redundant at this point. For the Mets to decide between the pair, it could come down to who they believe is most likely to pass through waivers and possibly accept an assignment to Syracuse.

The larger question comes whether or not we should believe Tepera can give the Mets more than whoever he replaces on the roster. Last season include a 3.61 ERA in 57.1 innings of work. The year prior, split between both Chicago ball clubs, Tepera had a 2.79 ERA in 61.1 frames.

He could just as easily be a change of scenery candidate as much as he is a reliever who has seen better days. This year’s sample size isn’t large enough to completely ignore him. With the Mets having already dug their heels into a roster without many optional relievers, Tepera deserves some consideration.

It will take a few days for Tepera to pass through waivers. By then, there’s no telling who has some random spasms in their neck or back.