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New York Mets: Robert Gsellman Named As Impact Prospect for 2017

By Nick Ziegler

Sep 25, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Robert Gsellman (65) pitches during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Robert Gsellman (65) pitches during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Mets have one of the most talented rotations in all of baseball. One of the pitchers that are ready to shine is Robert Gsellman.

After reaching the World Series in 2015, the New York Mets were unable to make another trip back because of injuries in 2016.

One of the reasons why the Mets were able to represent the National League in 2015 was because of their great starting rotation. Pitchers Jacob deGrom, Matt Harvey, Noah Syndergaard, and Steven Matz all played a big part in the Mets’ success that season.

Unfortunately, the extra innings for a few of them may have contributed to them being injured in 2016. Harvey, deGrom, and Matz all missed time in 2016. Those injuries left the Mets scrambling to find help.

Luckily, there were a few more talented pitching prospects in the minors that were ready to help. Right-hander Rober Gsellman was able to stand out in the late summer months. He helped the Mets make the playoffs as one of the two Wild Card teams.

In 2016, Gsellman totaled a 4-2 record and 2.42 ERA. Even though there wasn’t a lot of hype for Gsellman like the other Mets pitchers, he was very effective. After the strong showing last season, Gsellman was named as a prospect that will make an impact this season by Keith Law of ESPN.com. Here’s what Law had to say about Gsellman.

"Gsellman went from fringe prospect to viable No. 4 starter with a big velocity bump last season, and though he lacks the hype of the Mets’ other starting pitching options, he’s completely healthy and should be able to handle 180 innings this season. That will give the Mets some flexibility for handling Matt Harvey, Steven Matz and Zack Wheeler as those three come off injuries."

In a perfect world, the Mets will have a healthy rotation in 2017 and all of their pitchers will throw close to 200 innings. Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem likely.

Next: 5 Reasons to be Excited About the Mets in 2017

The Mets will likely have to be careful with their young arms coming back from injuries. Furthermore, that means they will need others to step up. Even though Gsellman might be the fifth starter, he could also find his way into a swing-role between the majors and the minors. A lot will depend on what the Mets decide to do with Zack Wheeler. However, one way or another, Gsellman should have a role on the Mets in 2017.

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