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The New York Mets have been seeing their minor league free agent acquisitions depart recently. Trayce Thompson opted out of his contract with the team on the Fourth of July, while on the day of the MLB All-Star Game, Rylan Bannon was traded to the Minnesota Twins.
Bannon was among several players with MLB experience that the Mets signed during the offseason. Known for his versatility in playing second base, third base, shortstop, and both corner outfield positions, Bannon seemed like a valuable depth addition. His impressive .254/.392/.475 slash line with 15 home runs and 57 RBI for the Syracuse Mets suggested he deserved a closer look for a promotion to the majors, potentially ahead of struggling players like DJ Stewart.
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Unfortunately, Bannon won’t have the opportunity to showcase his skills at the big league level with the Mets. The trade, reportedly for cash considerations, may have been influenced by an opt-out clause in Bannon’s contract. Speculation from MLB Trade Rumors’ Steve Adams suggests that Bannon could have left the organization if he wasn’t promoted to the majors by the halfway point of the season.
Will we see the Mets unleash any of their minor league depth again?
The Mets have had significant contributions from minor league free agent signings, exemplified by Jose Iglesias, who has effectively taken over second base from Jeff McNeil. Another addition, outfielder Ben Gamel, hasn’t seen much playing time despite Starling Marte’s absence.
Looking ahead, prospects Luisangel Acuna and Luke Ritter are potential call-ups from the minors. Acuna’s speed is a valuable asset, already on the 40-man roster, suggesting he shouldn’t be held back too long. Ritter, a power hitter who plays multiple positions adequately, presents another option.
Among veterans, Mike Brosseau and Pablo Reyes have shown promise in Syracuse. Brosseau boasts 10 home runs and a batting average over .300 in 231 plate appearances, while Reyes has hit 7 home runs with a surprising .508 OPS in 138 plate appearances, although his career minor league OPS is .424.
Despite these intriguing options, none fully fill the Mets’ bench needs compared to someone like Stewart. Players like Brosseau, Reyes, and Bannon, who have struggled in the majors, underscore the challenge of translating minor league success to the big leagues.
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