Rafael Montero Must Prove Himself For New York Mets In 2016 Spring Training

In terms of battles for roster spots or playing time, the New York Mets figure to have little drama in spring training this year, as nearly every player on the team appears to have their role clearly defined even before spring training. However, one player who has much to prove to the Mets during the spring is pitcher Rafael Montero, who over the past year has gone from one of the team’s top prospects to being a complete afterthought.

After he made eight starts and two relief appearances for them over the course of the 2014 season, the Mets were looking forward to Montero contributing as either a starter or reliever in 2015. However, he made just five appearances, four of those coming out of the bullpen. Montero spent most of 2015 complaining of shoulder discomfort which — outside of five minor league appearances in July and August — kept him on the shelf from the end of April through the remainder of the season.

Had he been able to stay healthy, Montero would have had a chance to spend a significant amount of time in New York’s rotation before ultimately settling into a bullpen role once Noah Syndergaard and Steven Matz each proved themselves to be too good to remain in the minors. Nevertheless, Montero could have potentially become a key part of New York’s bullpen and played an important role in the Mets ultimately winning the National League pennant. However, after missing so much time last season, Montero is nowhere near New York’s plans heading into 2016.

Barring injuries to other players, Montero has a slim chance to make the Mets’ opening day roster. Montero is likely to compete in spring training for one of the final two spots in the bullpen. However, that may be an uphill battle, as he will be competing against the likes of Erik Goeddel, Logan Verrett and Sean Gilmartin, all pitchers who spent significant time in 2015 pitching out of the Mets’ bullpen.

If Montero hopes to make the opening day roster, he will have to blow the Mets away with his spring training performance; and even then there are no guarantees. Heading into 2016, the Mets are looking at Montero as more of a luxury than anything else. They don’t expect to get anything from him, but if they do it’ll be a bonus. This is a far cry from a year ago when Montero was held in nearly as high regard as Syndergaard and Matz.

Spring training will be the start of Montero proving to the Mets that he can still become the pitcher they once thought he could be. Of course, first thing’s first: Montero must prove that he’s over the shoulder issues that plagued him in 2015 and that he’s finally healthy. But even if he does that, there will still be much left for Montero to prove in 2016.