Mets 2018 bullpen is shaping up to look quite different

By Michelle Ioannou

Jul 29, 2017

PORT ST. LUCIE, FL - MARCH 22: Pitchers and catchers in the New York Mets bullpen scatter as a foul ball lands near the left field wall during a Grapefruit League spring training game against the Miami Marlins at Tradition Field on March 22, 2017 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. The Marlins defeated the Mets 15-9. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

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PORT ST. LUCIE, FL – MARCH 22 (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

The 2018 Mets bullpen is already shaping up to look quite different than the 2017 one. Like I’m sure most Mets fans have, I spent the morning talking to fellow Rising Apple Contributor Emmanuel Pepis about this surprising move by Sandy Alderson, and how we like it.

It was an unexpected trade, especially as Alderson has already said that “this is not a tear-down situation” and that the organization is not looking to rebuild. But, this is a trade that should bring about some changes, especially in terms of next season.

Despite what Alderson had originally said, this sounds like rebuilding the bullpen to me. And to Emmanuel as well, hence spending our morning talking about it.

Addison Reed is the team’s hottest trade chip, and will likely no longer be on the team come trade deadline. Jeurys Familia is making progress, but is still out. The Mets needs someone to fill in as closer in the interim, and that’s where Ramos will likely be for the rest of this season.

In a surprise move to most, the Mets acquired AJ Ramos from the Marlins. The team already plans on trading Addison Reed, likely in a package deal. Now, this sounds like a bullpen rebuild to me, no?