The New York Mets are on a mission to revamp their pitching staff after last season's late collapse, and they've made an intriguing move by signing Bryce Conley. At 31, Conley has yet to make his Major League debut, but there's something in his profile that caught the Mets' attention.
Last year, Conley posted an ERA just over 5.00 in 118 1/3 innings with the Washington Nationals' upper-level affiliates. Despite these numbers, the Mets see potential in him, as reported by Will Sammon of The Athletic. They've inked him to a minor-league deal for the upcoming season, marking his eighth year in professional baseball since being drafted by the Athletics in 2017.
While Conley's strikeout and walk stats might not jump off the page, his ability to limit hits is notable-he's allowed just 428 hits over 491 minor-league innings. His career also includes successful stints in Mexico, where he posted a 2.73 ERA in 29 2/3 innings, showcasing his ability to adapt and perform in different environments.
For the Mets, Conley offers versatility. He's stretched out as a starter, making him a candidate for long relief or spot starts when the schedule gets tight. With the World Baseball Classic on the horizon, he'll have opportunities to show his stuff as some of his teammates head off to represent their countries.
Conley might not be the headline act in Port St. Lucie, but this could be his chance to carve out a role and finally step onto a Major League mound. His journey is a testament to persistence, and the Mets are betting that his story has a few more exciting chapters left to write.