Daniel Zamora provided stability to the Mets bullpen down the stretch

Daniel Zamora was one of many pleasant surprises for the Mets in the second half of the 2018 season. The former 40th round draft pick was acquired in a trade that sent Josh Smoker to the Pittsburgh Pirates on January 31. Zamora spent most of the season in Double-A Binghamton, where he quietly put together solid numbers in 40 appearances that included a 3.48 ERA, .197 AVG, 1.03 WHIP, 69 strikeouts, and 16 walks in 51.1 innings.

After Bobby Wahl was placed on the disabled list with a hamstring injury on August 17, Zamora got the call up from Double-A and had a stellar debut that night against the Phillies, tossing a scoreless inning-and-a-third with two strikeouts. Appearing in 16 games out of the bullpen, Zamora posted a 3.00 ERA, .194 AVG, 1.00 WHIP, 16 strikeouts, and three walks in nine innings pitched with the Mets. Perhaps his most impressive performance was against the Red Sox in Boston on September 15, recording all four of his outs via the strikeout.

Zamora has seemingly forced his way into the conversation for the Mets bullpen plans in 2019. With Jerry Blevins hitting free agency, Zamora could be a potential replacement in the pen going forward. However, Zamora had posted better numbers against righties in both Double-A and in the majors, giving reason to believe that he is more than just a lefty specialist. For the Rumble Ponies, Zamora carved through right-handed hitters with a .157 AVG and a miniscule 0.79 WHIP, compared to a .244 AVG and 1.32 WHIP against left-handed bats.

Whatever plan the Mets have in addressing their bullpen for next season, Zamora looks to be in the mix to compete for a roster spot in Spring Training. If the Mets are able to sign plenty of relief help, Zamora should be able to provide much-needed depth in Triple-A Syracuse.