Mike’s Mets Player Review Series: Jacob Rhame

Now that the 2017 season is over for the New York Mets, we have been looking back at the year that was. After taking a more general view of the offense, pitching, and coaching staff, it’s time to take a look back at the Mets’ players. This series will take a look at every player on the active roster for the Mets at the end of season from A (Nori Aoki) to W (David Wright). The review will look at their season statistics, stories, and what role (if any) they will have next season. We continue our series today with a look at relief pitcher Jacob Rhame.

Player Review: Jacob Rhame

Stats:

Minor Leagues (Two Teams): 45 Appearances, 54 Innings Pitched, 0-3 Won-Loss Record, 2 Saves, 2 Blown Saves, 4.00 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 66:10 Strikeout:Walk Ratio

Major Leagues: 9 Appearances, 9 Innings Pitched, 1-1 Won-Loss Record, 9.00 ERA, 2.11 WHIP, 7:7 Strikeout:Walk Ratio

Story: Jacob Rhame began his fifth season of professional ball in Triple-A Oklahoma City, hoping to earn a big league opportunity with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers simply didn’t have room for Rhame in their bullpen, and he didn’t do much to help his own cause by pitching to a 4.31 ERA in 41 appearances for Oklahoma City. That made Rhame an expendable trade chip, and the Dodgers dealt him to the Mets in mid-August in exchange for veteran outfielder Curtis Granderson. Rhame made a few appearances for the Mets’ Triple-A affiliate in Las Vegas before he got promoted to the majors in September. The Mets had Rhame make his big league debut on September 2nd and it went well as he tossed 1.1 scoreless innings against the Houston Astros. Rhame only appeared in mop up situations for a while and was hit hard after that, giving up runs in five straight appearances between September 12th and September 25th, including a five run disaster at Wrigley Field on the 13th. Things got better for Rhame in the Mets’ final series of the season, when he tossed three scoreless innings against the Philadelphia Phillies and earned his first big league win on September 30th.

Grade: D

Rhame was hit pretty hard in the majors and his pinpoint control from the minors didn’t translate as he walked as many batters (7) as he struck out (7). Despite the poor performance, Rhame showed flashes of a live arm that could help in the bullpen down the line.

Contract Status: Pre-Arbitration Eligible

Odds of Returning: 100%

2018 Role: Middle Reliever

Rhame will be in the mix to compete for a bullpen job in spring training. The odds will be stacked against Rhame due to his poor performance in September and the Mets’ plans to add more proven relievers should work against him. Rhame will most likely start the season in the minor leagues, but even if he does the ups and downs of a big league bullpen should give Rhame an opportunity at some point due to either injury or ineffectiveness.

Check back tomorrow as our Player Review Series continues with a look at infielder T.J. Rivera!