New York Mets: A closer look at the spring training non-roster invitees

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P.J. Conlon, New York Mets. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Roster Contenders – Pitchers

Luis Avilan – He was a steady pitcher at the MLB level as recently as 2017. Avilan has a career earned run average of 3.09, and a WHIP of 1.225 over 308.2 innings since he made his first big league appearance in 2012. There will be a consistent theme here, left-handed pitching and because Avilan is a lefty, he’ll be in the mix for a roster spot.

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Arquimedes Caminero – The name alone should get him on the team. Caminero hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2016. Last year he was in Japan and struggled mightily. He is a strikeout pitcher that wrestles with his control. At this point, the 32-year-old is likely a depth pitcher at Triple-A Syracuse.

P.J. Conlon – Conlon made his major league debut with the Mets last season, pitching in three games. He has several pitches but none stand out. Rather he throws strikes and gets outs. If he doesn’t have a roster spot this April, it won’t be long before he is pitching in Flushing.

Ryan O’Rourke – Another lefty, he pitched both the 2015 and 2016 seasons for the Minnesota Twins and appeared to be improving as he went along. It was announced in May of 2017 that his arm problems required Tommy John surgery which kept him out for the entire season. O’Rourke tried to climb his way through the Orioles system last year, but only managed 14.1 innings pitched.

Hector Santiago – Santiago has spent his entire eight-year MLB career in the American League. He seemed to have peaked in 2015 when he represented the Angels at the All-Star game. In the three seasons since, his lowest ERA was 4.50. Last year the White Sox transitioned him to the bullpen. So he is another contender for a left-handed bullpen slot with the Mets.

Next. Time for Mets to move on from Steven Matz. dark

There are maybe three spots left and these and these 24 players are in for a fight.

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