Rafael Montero (Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

For many, it could seem as if nothing positive can come from the New York Mets 2017 season of despair. However, as we enter the final stretch of baseball, a star has risen from the shadows, bringing a plethora of quality starts with him. Rafael Montero has been extremely effective in recent outings, and could have a huge impact in next year’s season for the Mets.

Montero, who is 4-9 this year with a 5.21 ERA, has turned things around dramatically recently, giving up 10 runs and earning three wins in his last four starts. His stuff looks great, and he is certainly fooling hitters as well, posting a 8.84 K/9 and a 10.3% swinging strike rate this season. 

Things can get dicey at times for the right hander when he doesn’t throw strikes however, giving up 14 walks in these last four starts. The problem for Montero has always been his control, as he has had a 4.84 BB/9 this year. With this being said, Montero has still found a way to get outs and be effective in ways Mets fans have not seen yet in his young career as the September slumber begins.

Although Montero has not had much luck in the big leagues so far, at age 26 he could be coming into his own, and is currently contending for a key spot in the Mets rotation next year. As the offseason looms, there are hopes that the Mets organization will deem they can make a push in 2018, and acquiring pieces to do such might mean some young pitchers could be packing their bags.

Either way, if Rafael Montero pitches well this September and onward, the Mets certainly have the opportunity to benefit a great deal in the future.