The Mets are taking a chance on a former star pitcher with a turbulent past. Nick Burdi, once a highly-touted prospect, is seeking redemption with the Mets after a series of surgeries and team changes. But can he reclaim his former glory?
Burdi's journey is a testament to the challenges athletes face in their careers. As a high school standout, he dreamed of being drafted in the early rounds, but fate had other plans. Despite his impressive 95 mph fastball, he slipped to the 24th round. Undeterred, Burdi chose college, where he dominated as a closer at the University of Louisville, earning a second chance at the draft.
And what a second chance it was! Burdi's college success propelled him to the 46th overall pick in the 2014 draft by the Minnesota Twins. But his time with the Twins was short-lived, as he never made an appearance for the team. The Phillies picked him up in the Rule V draft, only to trade him to the Pirates, where he finally made his MLB debut in 2018.
But here's where Burdi's story takes a controversial turn. After a promising start with the Pirates, he underwent two significant surgeries: thoracic outlet surgery in 2019 and Tommy John Surgery in 2020, the latter of which he had previously undergone in 2017. These injuries derailed his progress, and he found himself bouncing between teams, from the Padres to the Cubs, and eventually to the Yankees, where he had his most successful season yet.
And this is the part most people miss—the Mets signed Burdi early in the offseason, along with several other pitchers, as they aim to bolster their bullpen. With his recent success and former prospect status, Burdi has a shot at making the roster. However, it's more likely he'll start the season in Triple-A, providing depth and insurance for the Mets.
So, will Burdi be the comeback story the Mets need? Or will his injury history prove too much to overcome? Only time will tell, and the Mets are taking a calculated risk. What do you think? Is Burdi a worthy addition to the Mets' roster, or is his past too controversial to rely on?
