Mets Closer Depth Chart: Who is second in line behind Edwin Diaz?

Mets Closer Option – Seth Lugo

Arguably the Mets top relief pitcher over the past few seasons, in the event Edwin Diaz’s spot as closer opens up, based on his previous performances, Seth Lugo would be the number one choice to fill the role.

Since being moved to the bullpen in the 2018 season, Lugo has been very effective out of the pen in a number of different roles, either as a long man, set up man, or even closing out a few games himself.

For the 2018 season, Lugo logged a 2.66 ERA following his move to the pen, and a 2.70 ERA in 2019, where he took over as closer during the final 2 months of the season due to struggles by Edwin Diaz.

Lugo started out the 2020 season as a reliever before moving into the starting rotation due to a number of injuries and season opt-outs from the Mets’ starting pitchers, a move which had mixed results.

He continued his dominance as a reliever to begin the year, appearing in 9 games out of the pen, recording a 2.61 ERA over 10.1 innings while saving 3 games. Despite his success as a reliever, following his move to the starting rotation, Lugo struggled and logged a 6.15 ERA in 7 starts.

Clearly over the past 3 years, Lugo has been a very effective pitcher coming out of the bullpen. Based on his performance as a starter in 2020, the Mets are likely to keep him there going into 2021.

He has had success in his brief auditions as a closer for the Mets in the past, and should the occasion arise, he is likely the best suited to handle the role for New York.

Mets Closer Option – Trevor May

One of the first free agent signings under Steve Cohen’s ownership, if the role as Mets closer opens up in 2021, Trevor May could fill the role very admirably.

Originally drafted by the Phillies in the 2008 draft, Trevor May was first called up to the Major Leagues in 2014 by the Minnesota Twins as a starting pitcher before being converted into a relief pitcher.

After a shaky start to his career in the big leagues and missing the entire 2017 season following Tommy John Surgery, May has established himself as one of the top “set up men” in baseball.

In his return from surgery, May has averaged out a 3.19 ERA over 113 innings since the 2018 season. He has also had his number called to close out games on occasion, recording 7 saves over that stretch as well.

May is coming to New York on a 2-year contract and looks to be slotted in as a setup man for New York, helping to bolster what was an inconsistent bullpen from the season prior.

He performed very consistently in Minnesota, which is considered a “hitter’s park”, and if for whatever reason he was called upon to close out a game for the Mets, based on his past record, he could fill the role very nicely.

Since returning from surgery in the 2018 season, May has seemingly risen to the occasion to every task he was asked to do, from moving from the starting rotation into the bullpen, to becoming one of the top set up men in the game. If the Mets are in need of a closer in 2021, May would certainly be a good gamble to take.

Mets Closer Option – Dellin Betances

One of the Mets’ top signings of last year’s offseason, Dellin Betances has had a rough two years in the MLB, but when he is right, he could be one of the league’s top relievers, and if that ends up being the case, a great option as backup closer as well.

During his time with the Yankees to begin his career, Betances was one of the top relievers in the MLB, being elected to the AL All-Star team four straight years from 2014-2017. In his last full season with the Yankees in 2018, he logged a 2.70 ERA over 66 innings.

Betances missed all but one game with the Yankees in 2019, as he dealt with a bone spur in his right shoulder to begin the year, and tore his Achilles tendon following his return.

After essentially missing a season recovering from two major injuries, the start to the 2020 season had its start delayed by several months due to Covid-19 and did not have a proper Spring Training before its start. All of this lead to a rough return for Betances, and he ended up with a 7.71 ERA over 11.2 innings in his first year with the Mets.

Despite his past two seasons, if Betances regains some semblance of his prior form, he could be a very effective reliever once again, and a viable option at closer for New York if needed. The Yankees were known to hand the ball to Dellin in the 9th inning in the past, as he recorded 36 saves over his 8 years in the Bronx.

Granted, all of this stems from Betances once again being healthy and pitching consistently out of the bullpen, but as Mets fans know, depth is a must-have for any team with playoff aspirations, and if Dellin is right, then the Mets will have yet another viable option to close out games for them.

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