Mets sign Talbot and Thompson

Talbot with the Indians

The Mets have signed pitchers Mitch Talbot and Daryl Thompson to minor league deals. They have both been assigned to Triple-A Las Vegas. 

Talbot, 29, last pitched in the Majors with the Indians in 2011, posting a 6.64 ERA in 12 starts. In 2013, he made three starts in the Miami Marlins organization before being released due to an elbow injury. Talbot has a career 5.30 ERA in 232.2 big league innings.

Thompson, 27, has spent the 2013 season with the Southern Maryland Rock Crabs of the Independent League. He posted a 3.18 ERA in 22 starts with them. He last appeared in the Major Leagues with the Cincinnati Reds during the 2011 season. Thompson has a career 8.31 ERA in 17.1 innings pitched.

I don't mind these signings. Obviously they won't too much of an impact, but the Mets need organizational filler players, and that is what Talbot and Thompson are. Talbot did have one decent season with the Indians a few years ago, but injuries have held him back. If he proves himself with the 51s, that could earn him a September call-up, and he would be able to showcase himself to receive a new contract in the winter.

Thompson has had nice success with the Rock Crabs. However, it is the Independent League, which talent wise is nowhere close to the Major League level. Thompson will be put in Triple-A to see if he could continue his fine success, and if he does I expect him to earn a call-up in September as well.

Sooner or later the Mets will shut down their younger pitchers, such as Harvey and Wheeler. The rotation is beginning to thin out as it is, with Jenrry Mejia and Jeremy Hefner both done for the season. The Mets need all the depth they can find, and who knows, maybe they'll strike lightning in a bottle with one of these minor league signings.