Mets acquire RHP Eric Hanhold from the Brewers in Neil Walker deal

Eric Hanhold is the PTBNL Mets received from Brewers (MLB.com)

The last piece of the puzzle has been revealed. The Mets sent out a press release with information regarding what, or in this case who, they got back in the Neil Walker trade in August. Milwaukee sent RHP Eric Hanhold to The Amazins.

The 23-year old pitcher was the Brewers’ sixth-round pick in the 2015 First-Year Player Draft. Unlike previous trades Sandy Alderson made this season, Hanhold is not just a reliever. He has had a few starts in his brief minor league career. In 30 games in Single-A Carolina, both as a reliever and a starter (three games for the latter), he was 8-3 with a 3.94 ERA. He struck out 60 batters while walking 21. The University of Florida graduate went 5-1 with a 1.53 ERA in the second half of the Mudcats’ season.

While there is some work to be done, it appears Hanhold has a few hidden skills. According to perfectgame.org, he has a slider that moves in the opposite direction compared to his fastball. The latter pitch has ranged from 92-95 MPH. While power may be lacking, his command seems to be in sync.

If an injury was to affect a Mets starter, Hanhold can fill a void the Mets require. He can also become an early bullpen option for the team as time goes on. Like all the pitching prospects the Mets managed to collect, this latest addition is going to be monitored closely for 2018.