Szapucki, 25, split his 2021 season between the New York Mets and Triple-A Syracuse. He mostly struggled before being shut down for the season after undergoing ulnar transposition surgery.

Szapucki made nine starts and one relief appearance with Syracuse. He was 0-4 with a 4.10 ERA, 1.680 WHIP, 6.0 BB/9, and an 8.9 K/9.

He made only one appearance with the Mets. He pitched 3.2 innings in his one relief appearance allowing six earned on seven hits and three walks. He would strike out four.

Due to the injuries and control issues, Szapucki went from a top 10 prospect to being not ranked among MMN‘s Top 30 Prospects.

However, John Sheridan of MMN argued he still belong citing Szapucki’s 95+ MPH fastball and his curve. Moreover, he noted the success Jacob deGrom and Steven Matz had after their own transposition surgeries.

Speaking of deGrom, his injury and Max Scherzer‘s hamstring issues have the Syracuse rotation in a state of flux. With their injuries, the Mets have been active pursuing starting pitching on the trade market, and there were rumors the team was pursuing Chris Paddack.

Short of the Mets trading for a starter, it would appear Tylor Megill and David Peterson would join the major league rotation until deGrom and Scherzer are healthy enough to pitch.

At the moment, it appears Szapucki will be joined in the rotation by Jose Butto. He will likely be joined in the rotation by Jordan Yamamoto, who was the first player optioned to minor league camp this spring.

Turning back to Szapucki, this is a very important season for him. His getting the Opening Day nod presents an opportunity for him to prove he can still be a starter. If he can, it’s important to note he’s still on the 40 man roster and could force his way back to the majors.