The New York Mets cycled through multiple pitchers through the first half of the season, and Wilmer Font was one of the few who made an impact. Font started and relieved for the Mets during his two months in Queens.
Here's Wilmer Font, the Mets' newest acquisition, on his start today in San Diego. (With interpreter Alan Suriel.) pic.twitter.com/qUuhfMNymQ
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) May 8, 2019
Font came to the Mets in early May from a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays. It was during a time in the year where the Mets desperately needed another arm on their roster. He was thrown straight into the starting rotation but struggled as a starter. Font allowed nine runs in 10.1 innings and went to the bullpen when Steven Matz came off the Injured List.
Bullpen Success
Font’s new role a middle relief/long relief helped get the Mets shorthanded bullpen through the rough May/June. During his 12 outings out of the bullpen, he had a 3.48 ERA and hitters batted .218 against him in 20.2 innings. His best pitch was his high looping curveball, which he threw 19.2% of the time, the highest of his career.
Wilmer Font through 3 scoreless. Has held opponent without a run in 5 of last 6 outings. #mets
— Zach Braziller (@NYPost_Brazille) June 16, 2019
The Mets shipped Font up north to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for cash on July 17. He went on to finish the season strong with the Blue Jays. Chris Mazza replaced Font on the roster, and in hindsight, the Mets would have been better off keeping Font longer.
Grades:
Pitching Repertoire: B-, His fastball speed varied from 92-98, but his curveball has Seth Lugo-ish qualities.
Control: B+, When he moved to the bullpen, his walk numbers went down from his time in the rotation.
Composure: C+, Solid in clutch situations, and his long relief role.
Intangibles: B
Overall: C+, He was not anything special as a starter, but put together good outings in the bullpen.