When a pitcher posts a 2.55 ERA over 74 innings, the natural inclination is to consider them for a starting role. That’s not how the Mets see Jose Butto heading into the 2025 season. Manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed Tuesday that the 26-year-old will be utilized as a multi-inning relief weapon rather than stretching him out as a starter. Given Butto’s ability to miss bats and handle extended workloads, it’s easy to see why they’re taking this approach.
Why Keep Butto in the Bullpen?
The Mets aren’t making this decision lightly. Butto showed last season that he has the arsenal of a starter, utilizing a four-seam fastball, sinker, change-up, slider, and sweeper—giving him plenty of options to keep hitters off balance.