Dylan Bundy

The New York Mets have announced they have signed right-handed pitcher Dylan Bundy to a minor league deal. As he was signed this late during spring training, the expectation is he is going to begin the season with Triple-A Syracuse.

Bundy, 30, pitched last season with the Minnesota Twins. Over 29 starts, he was 8-8 with a 4.89 ERA, 1.279 WHIP, 1.8 BB/9, and a 6.0 K/9.

As reported by Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, Bundy was throwing 88 MPH in his first bullpen session of the spring. Last season, Bundy threw between 88 – 90 MPH with his fastball, and DiComo predicts Bundy will get closer to that as he throws more bullpen sessions.

Bundy is expected to throw against live hitters during the course of this week. Of note, spring training will officially end on March 28, and the Mets season opener will be on March 30. Syracuse will begin their season the following day on March 31.

Bundy should provide the Mets with additional rotation depth. That depth took a hit during spring training when José Quintana needed bone graf surgery on his ribs which is expected to keep him out for three months.

While Bundy has a career 92 ERA+ and 4.68 FIP, he has really struggled over the past few seasons. With Los Angeles Angels and Twins, Bundy has posted a 77 ERA+ and 5.00 FIP.

There is the potential Bundy could thrive in the bullpen as a middle reliever or in a long man role. Bundy does generate a good spin with his fastball and has excellent control. The first time through the lineup, batters are only hitting .239/.298/.432 against him.

If Bundy is ever called up to the majors, he will reunite with Buck Showalter. Bundy pitched for Buck Showalter with the Baltimore Orioles from 2016 – 2018. Back then, Bundy was the fourth pick of the 2011 draft trying to establish himself as a major leaguer. Now, Bundy is trying to re-establish himself as a Major League caliber pitcher.