Inside The Mets

Bryce Montes de Oca Making Case for Spot in New York Mets Bullpen

Relief pitcher Bryce Montes de Oca is making a strong case to crack the Mets' Opening Day roster.

Pat Ragazzo

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There's definitely a chance.

Relief pitcher Bryce Montes de Oca has had a strong spring thus far and is making a serious case to crack the Mets' Opening Day bullpen.

On Thursday, Montes de Oca was impressive again, mowing down Team Venezuela on just 12 pitches. He picked up two strikeouts in his inning of work as well. 

Standing at 6 foot 7, Montes de Oca has a unique delivery and arm angle, which has helped him be effective against hitters. He also throws a sinker between 99-101 mph, which complements his cutter that sits between 93-96 mph.

So far in Grapefruit League play, the righty has thrown two scoreless appearances with four strikeouts.

Last season, Montes de Oca was called up to make his Major League debut in the end of the season. He allowed four runs in a total of 3.1 innings.

However, he did pitch to a 3.33 ERA with 80 strikeouts across 51.1 innings between Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A Syracuse last year. 

The stuff is there for Montes de Oca, the 26-year-old just needs to refine his command (38 walks in 51 innings in 2022). He also must stay healthy, as injuries have plagued him in his minor league career.

Should the Mets choose to give Montes de Oca a spot on the Opening Day roster, he does have options and can be sent back to the minor leagues at any point, which gives GM Billy Eppler some wiggle room to maneuver his club. 

Time will tell whether Montes de Oca makes the Mets' bullpen out of camp, but he is certainly making a strong case for a spot given his impressive showing thus far in Grapefruit League play.

Read More:

- Should Mets Take a Flyer on Jurickson Profar?

- Former Mets Greats Laud Brett Baty: 'He's Going to be a Good one'

- John Curtiss Making Strong Bid For Mets Bullpen Spot

Follow Pat Ragazzo on Twitter (@ragazzoreport), be sure to bookmark Inside The Mets and check back daily for news, analysis and more.

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Pat Ragazzo
PAT RAGAZZO

Pat Ragazzo is the reporter, publisher, site manager and executive editor for Sports Illustrated's Mets and Yankees On SI websites. Pat was selected as The Top Reporter & Publisher of the Year 2024 by the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP) for outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment to the industry. He has been seen on several major TV Network stations including: NBC4, CBS2, FOX5, PIX11 and NY1; and is frequently heard on ESPN New York FM 880 AM and WFAN Sports Radio 101.9 FM as a guest. Pat also serves as the Mets insider for the "Allow Me 2 Be Frank" podcast hosted by Frank "The Tank" Fleming of Barstool Sports. You can follow him on Twitter/X: @ragazzoreport.

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