Unveiling the Hidden Gems: Unsung Heroes of the NY Mets Ready to Shine in the 2025 Season
As the spotlight gleams on star players like Juan Soto, Francisco Lindor, and Pete Alonso, the New York Mets are gearing up for the 2025 season with a lineup that promises both glamour and depth. While these luminaries bask in the glory of fan adoration, a group of underrated players lurks in the shadows, poised to make a significant impact and potentially alter the course of the upcoming season.
Jose Butto: A Sleeper Star on the Rise
Among the unsung heroes of the Mets stands Jose Butto, a versatile player whose journey from the periphery to the forefront has been nothing short of remarkable. Having glimpsed sporadic playing time in 2022 and 2023, Butto finally seized his moment in the previous season, showcasing his prowess and solidifying his position as a pivotal figure in the Mets’ bullpen for the upcoming 2025 campaign.
In a display of skill and determination, Butto delivered an impressive performance, demonstrating his adaptability as he seamlessly transitioned between roles as a starter and a long reliever. Over the course of 74 innings in 30 games, including seven starts, Butto exhibited commendable statistics, boasting a stellar 2.55 ERA, a 3.83 FIP, and a 1.07 WHIP. Notably, his ability to strike out opponents with a 26.9% K% underscored his effectiveness on the field.
While Butto’s average exit velocity of 88.7 MPH and a 7.6% barrel rate aligned closely with league standards, his challenge lay in curbing free passes, as evidenced by a 12.9% walk rate. His transition from a starter to a reliever revealed a notable enhancement in performance, with a marked increase in his Stuff+ metric from 89 to 96. Displaying a repertoire of pitches including a four-seamer, sinker, change-up, slider, and sweeper, Butto’s versatility became his strength, especially evident in his improved fastball velocity of 95 MPH as a reliever.
The statistics further attest to Butto’s adaptability, with a 3.08 ERA, 4.17 FIP, and 1.13 WHIP in his starting roles, contrasting with a stellar 2.12 ERA, 3.47 FIP, and 1.00 WHIP as a reliever. This versatility not only underscores Butto’s value to the Mets but also presents the team with diverse strategic options in harnessing his potential in the forthcoming season. Jose Butto’s journey epitomizes the essence of an unsung hero ready to seize the spotlight and redefine his role in the Mets’ narrative for 2025.