Former All-Star Pitcher Signs With The Mets

Julio Teheran Signs With The New York Mets

Last summer, Teheran filled in nicely as the Brewers dealt with a plethora of injuries to its starting rotation. In 14 games (11 starts), he tossed 71.2 innings with a 4.40 ERA. His 98 ERA+ indicates his performance was only two percent below the league average.

According to Statcast, Teheran produced solid numbers despite not doing much else well other than limiting walks. Though metrics don’t like his performance, he got great results from his sinker (likely due to solid Milwaukee defense).

One red flag is that opposing hitters crushed his four-seam fastball. It’s tough for a starter not to throw a four-seamer, but Teheran might have better success if he relies more on his sinker/cutter/curveball combination.

Teheran’s performance didn’t necessarily lead the Brewers to the playoffs, but it helped keep the team afloat while key starters got healthy. Many teams will gladly accept this production level from an emergency depth piece, as the reigning National League Central champions will attest.

Additionally, adding a veteran like Teheran can often provide a team with a calming presence compared to a young, unestablished player. Having this presence in the locker room can help prevent a team from spiraling after experiencing obstacles like injuries.

Peak Teheran

The Colombia native spent much of the 2010s anchoring the Atlanta Braves rotation. He consistently provided 30 or more starts at above-league-average production. During his peak years (2013-2019), Teheran pitched 1,334 innings over 222 starts and posted a 3.64 ERA (111 ERA+). He also made two All-Star teams and finished fifth in the 2013 National League Rookie of the Year race.

Teheran struggled mightily in 2020 after the Braves traded him to the Angels. He finished the year with a 10.05 ERA, then injured his shoulder after just one start with the Tigers in 2021. His perforce and injury kept him out of affiliated ball until the Brewers signed him last May.

Teheran signs with the Mets with a chance to show his 2023 rebound was no fluke. The Mets will need him to provide quality innings for a few weeks while its rotation returns to form. Solid depth options are difficult to find at this point in the season, so signing Teheran could prove to be a blessing in disguise for New York.