Mets first-round bust attempting MLB comeback after stint in Japan

A familiar face to Mets fans is looking to make a big league comeback. The Post’s Jon Heyman reported Tuesday that the franchise’s 2016 first-round pick Anthony Kay “is expected to return to MLB after two years in Japan.”Kay, a Long Island native who spent two stints in the Mets’ organization, flamed out during his initial foray into MLB, but appears to have pitched himself into another shot at the big leagues with his play overseas. In Nippon Professional Baseball this season, Kay, 30, posted a 1.74 ERA over 155 innings. He also averaged 94.6 mph with his fastball and led the league with a 57.8 percent groundball rate. Kay last appeared in the majors in 2023 for the Mets after being claimed off waivers from the Cubs in September of that season.In 2019, the southpaw was part of the package the Mets sent to Toronto at the trade deadline in exchange for Marcus Stroman.The Mets have long been connected to Kay, having first drafted him out of Ward Melville High School on Long Island in the 29th round in 2013. After Kay decided to attend UConn, the Mets selected him again with the 31st overall pick in 2016.After the 2016 season, Kay underwent Tommy John surgery and returned in 2018 before the trade to Toronto.In 44 career big league games, Kay posted a 5.59 ERA across 85 1/3 innings, making appearances for the Cubs and Blue Jays in addition to his time with the Amazin’s.He never pitched in more than 13 games in a major-league season....