Mets lost a great potential trade candidate in Jerry Blevins

In any other year, the New York Mets could have traded Jerry Blevins this summer for a decent haul. Unfortunately, he is having a terrible season.

When we list out the underperformers on the 2018 New York Mets, I think most of us forget Jerry Blevins. Hidden in the bullpen and used primarily only against left-handed hitters, he doesn’t appear in games as often or for as long as others.

Blevins does deserve to go on any list of negatives made about this squad. His inability to get lefties out or get the Mets through even the simplest of innings cost them big time this season.

In any other year, the Mets may have been able to move Blevins at this year’s trade deadline for something pretty sweet. Bullpen pieces are all the rage and worth more than a bag of balls. Blevins’ peak value wouldn’t land a can’t miss prospect. He could have given this team something to work with.

Instead, it looks like Blevins may need to ride out the rest of 2018 on the Mets.

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Considering Blevins is making $7 million in total this year, I’m not so sure any team would even claim him on waivers this August. His ERA has nearly doubled from last season. Walks are common and strikeouts are much less frequent.

A left-handed specialist is on the list for many contenders at this year’s trade deadline. Who wouldn’t want a sure-thing in their bullpen who can strikeout the opponent’s best lefties?

Unfortunately, that’s not the type of player Blevins is anymore.

Over the past two seasons in New York, Blevins put up some very good numbers in the bullpen. He pitched to a 2.79 ERA in 2016 and a 2.94 ERA in 2017.

Often used for an out or two per appearance, Blevins found his niche in the bullpen. Terry Collins knew exactly how to use him. It’s a shame that when Mickey Callaway has done the same, the results have not been nearly as good.

Coincidentally enough, Blevins first came to the Mets in a trade with the Washington Nationals for Matt den Dekker. The pair were briefly teammates this year. The latter has since been designated for assignment.

I see the trades other teams make for relief pitchers. Then I see what Blevins did over the past two seasons and wonder about the “what ifs” with him. Even if he had just an average season, the Mets might have been able to deal him this summer.

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As luck would have it, the Mets have none of it in 2018. An inability to trade Blevins is yet another shot in the arm.