Upgrading Bullpen Should Be Top Priority For Mets at Trade Deadline

In the month of May, New York's bullpen has been worth -0.8 fWAR, which is second worst in baseball.

Upgrading the bullpen will have to be a top priority for the Mets at the trade deadline this year.

Since May 1, New York’s bullpen has been among the top five worst in baseball.

In 96 2/3 innings, Mets relievers have combined for a 4.75 ERA, 5.20 FIP and 4.93 xFIP.

Their combined -0.8 is second only to the Tampa Bay Rays who have been worth -1.3 fWAR over the same amount of time.

New York’s relief corps took a massive hit before the season even began when prized closer Edwin Díaz tore his patellar tendon in the World Baseball Classic after celebrating Puerto Rico’s victory over the Dominican Republic.

Luckily for the Mets, David Robertson has thrived in first year with the team and shifting into the closer role.

The problem, however, is that combining Díaz’s injury and the knockdown effect it had on the ‘pen and a cluster of lottery ticket arms, you’re left with a lot of uncertainty.

Beyond Robertson, the Mets are currently rostering Tommy Hunter, Jeff Brigham, Dominic Leone and Stephen Nogosek who have all had their share of struggles and are likely better suited as temporary options, Drew Smith who started off strong but has a 7.11 ERA in his last seven outings, and Adam Ottavino who hasn’t been able to replicate his success from 2022.

Right now, southpaw Brooks Raley is the only other arm who has been more or less reliable, though even he has been injured and dealt with some troubles.

Some of the responsibility also falls on the starting pitching.

Max Scherzer has been effective his last three starts as he’s surrendered just two earned runs, but Justin Verlander has had two outings of his last three where’s let up six runs. A lot of the Mets success is going to come from those two being able to anchor this pitching staff.

Yes, the team has dealt with injuries to starters José Quintana and Carlos Carrasco who just returned, but having two aces like intended would obviously have a positive impact on the team as a whole.

Regardless, New York chose to sign optionable arms this winter instead of proven commodities such as Andrew Chafin or Matt Moore, and now they will have to look to the trade market to fortify their roster.

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