Mets reunion with Jerry Blevins has its benefit beyond the mound

Jerry Blevins will return to the New York Mets in 2021 on a minor league deal. His biggest role with the organization might be what he gives them in the locker room.

Jerry Blevins is back with the New York Mets organization on a minor league deal for the 2021 season. He has a chance to pitch for the club at some point next year, but I don’t think this is why he’s wearing orange and blue again. His return has a greater purpose.

Frankly, Blevins doesn’t have much of a role in baseball anymore. The three-batter minimum rule steals away his ability to defeat lefty batters to the best of his ability. At 37-years-old with a full year off in 2020, his biggest contribution to the club next year will come from the guidance he can provide.

Blevins is well-past his prime years and probably not going to toss more than a handful of innings in the big leagues again. His career in baseball, however, may just be getting started.

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It doesn’t take long on social media to see how much of a good guy Blevins is. He’s relatable and I think this is one of the reasons why fans have embraced his return aside from just familiarity.

Relating to the fans is one thing. Being able to do so with younger players is another and far more important skill for Blevins to master in the coming year. I’m guessing this is the role he will play when players meet up again in the spring.

Blevins is going to work in baseball in some capacity once he hangs up his cleats for good. This year, he’ll get a chance to coach younger players at camp and provide them with an example of how to behave. A consummate professional, he’s everything you want from a player as far as personality goes. He sets the example on and off the field—something we don’t get to see too much of in sports.

Fortunately for the person that does his laundry, Blevins should pitch at least some. It might not be with the New York Mets. The Syracuse Mets, though, could use a little bit of depth.

In the early stages of the offseason, we have seen this organization make moves to add to their overall franchise’s depth. Blevins is a guy that can sit in Triple-A and pitch for months then take an Uber down to Citi Field to tackle a game against the Washington Nationals.

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If there is one thing missing from recent Mets teams, it’s relief pitching depth. Blevins gives them an arm with experience when the inevitable happens and the club has to place someone on the IL, grab the phone, and call Syracuse. One of the first relievers on the list should be Blevins. At some point, it might even be just so he can go out knowing it’s his final appearance.