Jesse Winker had a standout moment with the New York Mets on Wednesday, while Paul Blackburn has been a reliable part of the rotation. Since joining the team in Queens, Phil Maton has also been performing well.
The trades the Mets made at the deadline have generally had a positive impact on the team. However, one move involving the Tampa Bay Rays hasn’t yet influenced the major league results. David Stearns quietly acquired Tyler Zuber in exchange for Paul Gervase, but Zuber has remained in the minors so far. With Dedniel Nunez making progress and Sean Reid-Foley likely returning soon, this lesser-known transaction might end up being inconsequential.
So, what has Tyler Zuber been up to in the minors?
Zuber has been pitching for Triple-A Syracuse, where he’s thrown 6 innings with a 3.00 ERA. This is only slightly more than he managed with the Long Island Ducks before the Rays picked him up. Although he hasn’t been flawless, averaging one strikeout and one walk per inning, his control issues have resurfaced. In his time with Durham, where he spent most of the season, Zuber averaged 2.5 walks per 9 innings. In his latest outing on Thursday, he allowed 3 walks, which is not a good sign despite some earlier success in relief following a rough debut on August 1.
The Mets made some smart moves at the trade deadline, acquiring players like Huascar Brazoban, who has years of control and minor league options beyond 2024. After his recent appearance on Thursday, Brazoban might join Zuber in Syracuse. Blackburn, too, is arbitration-eligible next season, making him more than just a rental.
However, this isn’t the case for Zuber, whose final minor league option year was used by the Rays this season. While the Mets could keep him beyond 2024, they’d have to place him on the 26-man roster unless they’re willing to risk him on waivers.
Zuber’s usage in the minors since joining the Mets has been unusual. Four of his eight appearances have lasted less than a full inning, not because he was in trouble but seemingly by design. Perhaps the plan was to keep him fresh for an immediate promotion to the big leagues. However, his latest outing, where he threw 29 pitches after so many short appearances, raises some questions. For now, there doesn’t seem to be an urgent need for Zuber at the major league level, but that could change in September when rosters expand. The Mets don’t have many better options on the 40-man roster awaiting promotion.
