The depth with regard to the pitching in the Mets minor league organization is amazing, and it’s truly been on display this season more than ever. As we focus on the bigger names throughout the pipeline, especially starters like Rafael Montero, Noah Syndergaard, Logan Verrett, and a boatload of others, there are a few relievers who are doing a fantastic job, as well. Jack Leathersich, Bret Mitchell, and Jim Fuller come to mind, but Paul Sewald has been rather impressive this season with the Savannah Sand Gnats.

Sewald is a 23-year-old right-handed relief pitcher from Las Vegas, Nevada. He spent his college days at University of San Diego before the Mets took him with their 10th round pick in last year’s draft. He signed for for a senior discount (I’m hearing about $1,000), and it’s turning into quite the steal.

Once he signed with the organization, Paul reported to short-season Brooklyn to pitch out of the Cyclones bullpen. In 16 appearances, the righty collected 28.2 innings pitched, putting together a very impressive 1.88 ERA and 0.98 WHIP. That line includes 35 strikeouts against only two walks allowed.

His solid performance in Brooklyn last season earned him a promotion to Low-A Savannah to join what has become the best overall pitching staff in the South Atlantic League. He’s been a big part of that. In 15 appearances and 28.1 innings pitched, his statistics are almost identical to what he did in 2012: 1.91 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, 27 strikeouts and four walks (one intentional).

Around the time he was drafted last June, he was pinned as a finesse pitcher with incredible control, as his fastball normally sits in the high-80s, and can touch around 90 or 91 mph. He’s been an effective piece of out the bullpen because he can put his fastball wherever he wants (as we can see with the low walk totals), and can use his slider and change-up to rack up strikeouts in key spots.

Not that he would likely ever be an option for a closing role, but he has finished 14 games and saved six of those in his short professional career. So, he has experience in multiple roles within the bullpen.

Will Paul continue to climb the ladder within the organization? Time will tell. I’m interested to see how his first full professional season goes and how he responds to coming back and pitching during the second half of this season. As of right now, this is looking like a great investment for the Mets.