Mets: An unforeseen triple threat out of the bullpen worth bringing back

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 25: Chasen Shreve #47 of the New York Mets in action against the Miami Marlins at Citi Field on August 25, 2020 in New York City. Miami Marlins defeated the New York Mets 3-0. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 25: Chasen Shreve #47 of the New York Mets in action against the Miami Marlins at Citi Field on August 25, 2020 in New York City. Miami Marlins defeated the New York Mets 3-0. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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Mets
BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 01: Jared Hughes #35 of the New York Mets pitches against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 1, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /

Jared Hughes

Jared Hughes was another low-risk signing for the Mets after he was coming off a bit of a down 2019 season with both the Philadelphia Phillies and Cincinnati Reds. He largely struggled this past spring with the Houston Astros in camp and was granted his release.

Hughes who has been a reliable middle reliever for the better half of the last six seasons was signed by the Mets on a one-year $210,000 prorated deal, which has ended up being a bargain.

Hughes was a late addition to the team at the beginning of August after a battle with Covid-19 during July. But despite the late start, the 35-year old veteran has done nothing but give the Mets positive results out of the bullpen this season. Hughes’s strikeouts per nine innings are on track to be his highest number since his rookie season back in 2011.

Batters are hitting a lowly .173 off of Hughes this season which is also currently on track to be the lowest number of his career. It seems as if Hughes has reinvented himself this season as he is throwing his changeup and slider more than he ever has previously, and that has allowed him to keep hitters honest this season.

It would be in the Mets interest to explore retaining Hughes in 2021, as the Mets seem to always be looking for answers in their bullpen and Hughes has provided consistent results and has a solid track record. I would imagine another one-year deal with a possible option for a second year could keep Hughes in orange and blue next summer.