New York Mets: Mets Claim Gonsalves, Move Taylor to 40-man Roster

Aug 3, 2019; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen (right) talks with second baseman Robinson Cano (left) during batting practice before a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

After New York Mets manager Carlos Beltran was introduced on Monday, the Mets started making their first offseason roster moves. They claimed pitcher Stephen Gonsalves of waivers from the Twins and also moved reliever Blake Taylor on to their 40-man roster.

Gonsalves was a former top 100 prospect, but elbow injuries have derailed his career. He only has pitched in 24.2 innings in the big leagues and had a 6.57 ERA. The elbow issues led to Gonsalves only pitching 13 innings in the minors during the 2019 season, in which he had a 4.15 ERA. He has been a starter his whole career and could be a much needed depth piece to a pitching staff which lacked depth in 2019.

Left Handed Bullpen Depth

Taylor is a throwback to the Ike Davis trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates during the 2014 season. The roster move was made to prevent Taylor from becoming a free agent and gives them another left handed reliever. After struggling in the minors for the past couple of seasons, he broke out in 2019. Taylor split time between high-A and double-A where he had a 2.16 ERA in 66.2 innings with 74 strikeouts.

He also pitched to a 2.00 ERA during nine innings in the Arizona Fall League. Though, he has not pitched well at the triple-A level yet, he should start the season there. If the Mets do not add anything to their bullpen, Taylor will have a good chance to receive some big league innings in 2020.