Biggest Spring Standout: New York Mets
When we look at spring standouts, it's often the young, unproven kids that come to the forefront, but in the case of a team trying to fill a rotation spot, that unheralded starting pitcher can grab some attention.
And that's been the situation for the New York Mets, who can be grateful that David Peterson was their top "spring standout."
David Peterson this spring:
— Michael Mayer (@mikemayer22) March 19, 2023
12 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 8 BB, 13 K pic.twitter.com/5INwtBOFp4
The 27-year-old fourth-year pitcher stepped up out of the shadows this March, and into the vacated rotation spot that was supposed to go to offseason free agent signing Jose Quintana. The Colombian veteran, however, won't be able to join the Mets until July after undergoing rib surgery this past month.
That's where Peterson comes in.
Peterson was almost literally unhittable this spring, surrendering just one base hit in 12 innings, with 13 strikeouts (though eight walks). His 0.00 ERA and 0.75 WHIP allows him to start the season in the rotation.
Last year, Peterson filled in admirably as well, getting 19 starts in his 28 appearances for the Mets, and went 7-5, posting a 3.83 ERA with 10.7 strikeouts per nine innings. After a rough 2021, that was more reminiscent of his fine rookie year in 2020, in which he went 6-2 with a 3.44 ERA in nine starts.
The Mets have some rotation depth, with Tylor Megill also waiting in the wings. And with their top two starters, Cy Young candidates as they are, being 38 and 40 years old, it's quite likely that they'll need the kind of depth that Peterson and Megill can supply over the course of the season.
Other spring standouts around the majors:
Photo: Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports
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