Mets fans had plenty to cheer about when David Stearns made waves in January by trading for ace Freddy Peralta from the Brewers. But let's not forget the other gem in that deal: Tobias Myers.
At 27, Myers has already turned heads with his versatility, serving as both a starter and reliever. Mets fans might remember him from Game 3 of the 2024 Wild Card series, where he pitched five scoreless innings against them-a performance that surely left an impression.
Milwaukee's faith in Myers wasn't unfounded. After bouncing around the minors, he found his groove with the Brewers, thanks in large part to his four-seam fastball. It might not blow hitters away with speed, but its movement is deceptive enough to keep them guessing.
This spring, Myers is showing signs of repeating his past success. With a 1-1 record and a sparkling 1.08 ERA over 8.1 innings in Grapefruit League play, he's struck out nine and boasts a WHIP of 0.96.
Last season, he appeared in 22 games, starting six. As a starter, he posted a 1-1 record with a 5.64 ERA, but as a reliever, he shone with a 1.91 ERA.
Manager Carlos Mendoza has confirmed Myers' spot on the team, though his exact role remains under wraps. Likely, he'll serve as the Mets' swingman-a crucial role last effectively filled by Trevor Williams.
With uncertainty in the rotation, having a reliable bridge to the bullpen is invaluable. The Mets' starters logged just 796 innings last season, ranking 27th in the league, averaging only 4.91 innings per start.
This shortfall overtaxed the bullpen, highlighting the need for a dependable swingman like Myers.
Stearns' January trade didn't just bring an ace to New York-it brought a potential game-changer in Myers. While Peralta might grab the headlines, Myers could be just as vital in propelling the Mets back into playoff contention.